UNFORTUNATELY, last weekend and the beginning of this week the severity of the frosts have overtaken the ability of the warm daytime sunshine to melt the ice.

Therefore, most Lymm Angling Club waters have been frozen solid, making fishing difficult or even impossible in conditions reminiscent of winters not too many years ago.

Those who have fished in the winters of 15 to 20 years ago or more will know that it was very regular for fisheries to be frozen over, and not just for a day or so, but for weeks and maybe even a month.

The last really cold winter I can think of was the winter of 1978/79 when temperatures rarely got above freezing for a whole three months. In fact, it's the last time I confidently walked on a frozen pool.

It appears the long-range weather forecast indicates wetter and warmer weather for the coming weekend, perhaps a complete thaw will then take place.

For certain styles of fishing, breaking the ice can be considered. Methods such as short-range waggler or pole fishing lend themselves to this form of fishing.

One of the most recent reports from Lymmvale indicated that large tench were moving and feeding.

Head bailiff Jimmy Ashall reported two being landed just before the freeze-up. Those fish weighed 7lbs 3ozs 0drms and 7-8-0.

Form will be very hard to predict but many species will need to feed in order to produce their seasonal batch of spawn, making trips potentially well worth the effort.

By the time of writing all members should have received their club membership renewals. If you have not received one, let me know.

The processing of renewals continues at Roosters Social Club on Monday night, you can also pay your subs in person. Sessions run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

I can be contacted on 411774 but be prepared to leave a message.