THE River Mersey is producing consistent weights at the moment, with roach the predominant species.

Our latest Saturday series fixture was won by Alan Birchall, fishing with pole and maggot for a round 13lbs.

Jimmy Byrne took second spot, only a couple of roach light of victory with 12-14-0.

Paul Bibby, fishing his first Mersey match, asked organiser Ray Boden if he needed worms.

He was advised to keep it simple, and stick with pole and maggots.

The result? Paul came fourth, and told Ray after the weigh-in that it had been one of his best day’s river fishing in years.

That man Boden notched up another success the following day despite a fright from Ant Higham – our very own King of the River – who turned up for the draw looking rather ‘peaky’.

He claimed to be in Halloween costume, although the picture suggests he appeared his normal self.

Roach again featured prominently in catches, and Ray put 11-5-0 of the red-finned beauties on the scales taken using the usual pole and maggot method.

Weights during our match for disabled and overs 60s, on the Bridgewater Canal, dropped again this week, when Roy Rogers needed only 3-10-6 of pole-caught roach and perch to take his first win in this series.

Held at Walton, barely eight ounces separated the first four anglers with not a single skimmer caught between them.

Our stretch of the River Dane at Holmes Chapel is always worth a visit at this time of the year when the dace and grayling start to show in larger numbers.

Although maggots will undoubtedly attract minnows it is worth persevering, and a small stick-float should do the job nicely.

We had a report of seven small carp deaths on Statham Pool and, as you’d expect, we immediately alerted the Environment Agency.

The fish had been dead for some time and could have washed down the feeder stream, but nevertheless it is better to be safe than sorry at a time when a number of fisheries are being affected by outbreaks of KHV.

By far the best method to prevent its spread is to ensure that nets, mats, and equipment are thoroughly dried before use.

Our association’s headquarters at Parker Street are open every Friday, between 7pm and 8.30pm, for memberships, subscriptions, night-permit renewals and any queries.

Keep sending catch reports by email to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk – they’re useful to fellow members.

Results:

Saturday, Mersey Series: 1, Alan Birchall 13-0-0; 2, Jimmy Byrne 12-14-0; 3, Ray Boden 11-6-0; 4, Paul Bibby 6-9-0.

Sunday, Mersey Series: 1, Ray Boden 11-5-0; 2, Dave Hill 8-7-0; 3, Jimmy Byrne 8-6-0; 4=, Alan Birchall, Martin Lenihan 6-14-0.

Monday, Disabled and over 60s (Bridgewater Canal): 1, Roy Rogers 3-10-6; 2, Dennis Bate 3-4-5; 3, Jimmy Byrne 3-4-3; 4, George Hollis 3-3-5.

n Fixtures: Saturday, Mersey Series: Draw 9am, Victoria Park.

Sunday, Mersey Series: Draw 9am, Victoria Park.

Monday, Disabled and over 60s (Bridgewater Canal): Draw 10am, Daresbury Labs, Bridge 144.