Fisheries to stay closed with virus still rampant (From Warrington Guardian)

Fisheries to stay closed with virus still rampant

WARRINGTON Anglers' Association's committee decided at our meeting on Mondayon to keep designated fisheries closed on a fish welfare basis.

The fisheries concerned are Grey Mist Mere, Rixton Claypits, Moore Quarry, Cicily Mill Pool and Sandiway Lakes.

For the record, I actually inspected a fish that was just about in this world, and its gills were reminiscent of the underside of a ripe field mushroom - black and rotted.

The fish was drowning, and it explains why the dead fish only manifest themselves when gasses that build up send them to the water surface.

There is still no news from the Environment Agency boffins as to the nature of the virus but it is still killing fish, with 28 carp reported on Sunday at Manchester.

Members found fishing any of the closed waters will be immediately expelled - there will be no excuse.

Anyone who cannot produce a membership will be treated as a poacher and the police called to the incident.

The barbel on the River Dee must now be breeding, as four-inch fish are being caught with larger specimens to 6lbs.

Chub, grayling, dace, perch and roach are being caught to stick-float and either bronze maggot or caster at Almere Ferry. Hemp and tares have accounted for some roach.

On the River Dane, Steve Nunnen ledgered meat on Friday and had two chub of 4lbs and a massive grayling, which according to our local bailiff was the largest he had ever seen from the river at well over 2lbs.

The following day, Dave Jones discounted the successful meat tactics and proved that caster can also produce the goods.

He had 16 chub between 2lbs and 3lbs and lost six larger fish. He only ended his session when he ran out of bait!

Colin Meller certainly had a red-letter day on High Legh Fisheries when he fished using a six-metre pole and white maggots.

His catch was mainly made up of small tench and rudd, but included roach and a bream. His grand total of 157 fish blitzed and almost doubled his previous best of 85.

One thing is for certain - unless I had a counting device, I would have lost count very early in the session!

While Sandiway is closed, it gives us all an opportunity to carry out proposed improvements on the site.

So, if any of you fancy putting something back into your club meet Reg Lewis on Saturday or Sunday anytime from 9am onwards on the large lake.

Last week two members turned up and built a peg to be proud of - you too could put your own stamp on the fishery.

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

Frank Lythgoe

Results: Junior Summer Series: 1, Jamie Hirst 2-9-0; 2, Joe Dagnall 1-6-8; 3, Mike Chung 1-0-11. Mersey Series: 1, Kev Green 4-1-4; 2, Dickie Wernham 3-12-4; 3, Gary Mannion 3-4-14; 4, Anthony Higham 2-12-15. Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Ron Durr 3-7-0; 2, Ray Bowden 3-6-8; 3, Norman Hulse 2-8-7; 4, Ken Graham 2-5-10. Midweek: 1, Jack Taylor 5-4-0; 2, John Cartwright 4-8-0; 3, Kev Green 2-12-0.

Forthcoming events: Today, Thursday: Junior Summer Series, draw 6pm at Stanney Lunt Bridge (pegs 518-548). Minnows Series, draw 6pm on bank opposite Euclid Avenue (pegs 550-588). Sunday: Open Match Carterhouse, draw 10am, contact Chris Grehan on 635373. Mersey Match, draw 9am in Weir Lane. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.15am at Star Inn. Tuesday: Honorary and OAPs, draw 1.30pm at Daresbury Lab (pegs 100-144). Senior Sweep, draw 5.30pm in Denbury Avenue.