THE start of the season on Warrington Anglers' Association's rivers was a bit of a let down.

Most of the rivers are in need of some fresh water to give them a good flush through.

Des Boyd spent Saturday on the Dee with little success mainly due to low water conditions.

The River Mersey fished pretty well, with reasonable weights in Sunday's match and one or two decent bream catches have also been reported by members.

Len Millington found the tiny River Gowy to be providing good roach sport for one of our members when he spent the day researching the river waters which are accessible to him. He has marked the Plemstall end down for further attention.

The footpath from The Nags Head is closed at present due to works being carried out by the Environment Agency.

Woodshaw Reservoir is on top form with maggot or pinkie catching small fish. Pellet and corn are best for sorting out the tench and crucians, with 30 to 40 not unusual in a session.

The junior match on Monday was won with 16lbs in two hours, including two 4lb tench, two crucians and a rudd over 1lb, while the rest were small roach.

Grey Mist has been producing some good nets of roach, with 15lb in a few hours not unusual.

Former committee member Stan Deakin, who is a regular visitor, is really excited by the quality of the roach and strongly recommends it.

Just to remind members visiting the Mist that the barrier must be kept locked at all times. Anyone caught leaving it open risks being expelled from the association.

Sadly, we have lost a couple of the Simmons carp stocked in the big Sandiway lake. It would seem that is due to the rigors of recent spawning and nothing more sinister but we are monitoring it closely.

Please let me have your catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 01928 713898 or e-mail frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk. HQ Parker Street will be open as usual tomorrow, Friday, between 7pm and 9.30pm for subscriptions and new members.

Lynda Lythgoe

Results:

National Federation of Anglers North West match on Bridgewater Canal: Junior individuals: 1, Tyler McKay 1-7-0; 2, Robert Conroy 1-6-0; 3, Jack Coker 1-2-0. Teams: 1, Warrington Blue; 2, Warrington Red; 3, Leigh Ospreys. Intermediate individuals: 1, Ian Morrison 2-13-10; 2, Steven Hirst 2-9-0; 3, Andy Lewis 2-5-0. Teams: 1, Warrington Gold; 2, Leigh Ospreys. River Mersey Challenge Shield match: 1, Lee Clarke 8-3-4; 2, Ian Roberts 6-1-4; 3, Steve Featherstone 5-4-6; 4, Steve Lewis 4-6-8. Disabled and Over 60s: 1, John Sharpe 2-15-12; 2, Ronnie Lever 2-5-0; 3, Brian Pilkington 2-4-0; 4, Ronnie Durr 2-3-9. Squad Fund match: 1, Stuart Birchall 5-12-10; 2, Bob Clough 4-12-10; 3, Kevin Green 3-10-10. Minnows match: 1, Hannah Duckworth 1-11-0; 2, Jessica Impey 1-9-0; 3, Ben Pike 1-4-0; 4, George Crawford 1-2-0. Juniors match: 1, Mike Chung 2-13-5; 2, Jamie Hirst 1-7-15; 3, Jon Andrews 1-2-5. Intermediates match: 1, Andy Lewis 2-5-10; 2, Chris Francis 1-13-9; 3, Richard Lenihan 1-10-10. Woodshaw Junior Series: 1, Jon Andrews 16-01-12; 2, Dylan Wilding 8-5-0; 3, James Sidlow 4-11-14; 4, Mike Chung 4-8-12.

Forthcoming events: Today, Thursday: Minnows, draw 6pm on bank opposite Euclid Avenue. Juniors/Intermediates, draws 6pm at Grappenhall Bridge. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10am at Star Inn. Junior Series at Woodshaw Reservoir, 5.30pm onwards, draw on bank. Tuesday: Honorary and Pensioners' Bob Steele Trophy, Pickering's Bridge, draw 11am on car park. Senior Series, draw 5.30pm on bank at Beech Road.