Angling grinds to an icy halt (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Anglers’ Association

10:43am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Angling

AFTER a brief attempt at a thaw the freeze hit us again with a vengeance, putting a firm lid of ice on all our stillwater fisheries, although there are a few free areas near bridges on the canals.

Our Warrington Anglers’ local Winter League was cancelled on Saturday, and though it looked like a few more anglers may turn out for the Mersey match on Sunday, only four turned up.

The extra snow melt water and salt run-off from the roads put paid to any angling action.

Despite this 10 brave souls turned out the following day for the weekly Disabled and Over 60s match that had been switched from frozen Bridgewater to the Mersey.

Only Pete Critchley managed to put anything on the scales, a plump roach just under 7½ ozs caught on a maggot feeder.

They drew for the next two places and Lennie Dutton was first out of the hat followed by match organiser John Dagnall.

By contrast the River Dee is really on form with some cracking catches coming from Fardon of roach, dace, chub and a few grayling approaching 2lbs.

Our local bailiff reports that members are catching a few pike around 8lbs to 10lbs at Almere Ferry and according to our licence depot, Tackle Locker, a specimen of 21lbs has been caught on the river and an outstanding catch of 40 chub taken on bread-fished bolognese.

Bailiff Steve Kemble posted on the Mist Moneys Facebook site to muster up 10 volunteers to Grey Mist on Saturday.

They also trimmed overhanging branches and even managed to clear a few pegs on our adjacent Mersey stretch, where some quality carp have been reported during the year.

Many thanks to the volunteers.

Just before the freeze-up new members Trevor Bradley and his mate Keith Radcliffe decided on Woodshaw Reservoir for their debut Warrington water.

They were happy with their best ever catch of bream, crucians and roach to ¾lb.

New members can join at any of our tackle shop licence depots as advertised on our website.

They can also join at our HQ, by post to PO Box 71, Warrington, WA1 1LR, or at www.warrington-anglers.org.uk I would welcome any catch reports on 01928 716238 or frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk.

The HQ at Parker Street is now open as usual between 7pm and 9pm on Friday, for subscriptions, new memberships or any queries.

Frank Lythgoe Forthcoming events: Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw at 10am at Star Inn, Statham. Call John Dagnall on 635486.

Results: Disabled and Over 60s (River Mersey): 1, Pete Critchley 7-5; 2, Lennie Dutton 0-0; 3, John Dagnal 0-0.