OVER the past week frozen waters have dominated the scene for Lymm Angling Club members.

Lymm Dam was still producing reasonable action for pike anglers despite being partially frozen. Bream was the only performer for the non-specialist anglers although plenty of small fish were coming out on very light tackle.

It's at such times that the rivers come into their own and it does not matter how large or small.

Ste Daley has reported yet another productive trip to Wincham Brook, catching 27 fish within his usual short afternoon outing.

His catch was dominated by grayling to 1lb, although his biggest fish was a trout of 2.5lbs. Steve reported encountering another angler who was very critical of the water as he had not caught any fish.

However, Steve was kind enough to give this angler the benefit of his knowledge and soon had him catching fish and changing his opinion of the water.

Sunday's club championship match, scheduled for Statham Pool, was postponed due to the water being heavily frozen. This match will be re-scheduled at the end of the series - watch this space for details!

Ice breakers were rewarded with some nice perch on the Old Quay Canal last week. Roach and the odd chub also made appearances. Caster fished over chopped worm was the best all round bait.

These sort of conditions can help when fishing for easily spooked fish such as chub because the conditions obscure the view of the angler to the fish.

Work to improve the towpath on the Sankey Canal at Widnes has resulted in a closure notice being in effect for all of this month. The stretch affected is from Carterhouse to Spike Island.

Members please note that as a result the stretch concerned will be closed for fishing for the duration of the closure notice. As the work will widen the towpath all users, including anglers, will benefit from it.

Mark Clowes has commenced work in preparing the club's equipment, including boats, in readiness for this year's round of fisheries activities.

This work will take place mostly on Sundays as will the nettings. If you can help with these tanks then please give Mark a ring on 01565 634801.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.