I’VE received reports of decent roach catches from the reservoirs at both Woodshaw and Appleton.

As an added bonus, and no doubt due to the crazy weather, tench and crucians are still looking for food at the former.

Meanwhile Appleton, referred to affectionately as ‘The Res’ by generations of Warrington anglers, is home to some of the fastest-growing roach according to an old University of Liverpool report.

There may not be many two-pounders, but if you set your stall out there are plenty of these red fins to keep you busy.

Organiser Ray Boden decided to give our Sunday Series match on the River Mersey another chance, but he was thwarted when ‘Sammy’ the seal surfaced metres from the bank and made a grab for the roach he was playing.

Ray safely landed it, but the rest of the shoal scattered.

The honours went to Roy Everson, who weighed in 1-0-8 of roach taken on groundbait feeder and maggot.

Derek Bibby enjoyed a comfortable win in our latest disabled and over 60s match on the Hough’s Bridge stretch of the Bridgewater Canal, netting 7-6-0 of roach and perch.

Ron Durr was in second place with 5-9-8.

However I’m sad to announce that Jeff Clare, a regular entrant, has died.

Quite simply a nice man, he was also an excellent angler and often in the prize money.

His funeral is scheduled for next Thursday, February 4, from 11am, at Walton Lea Crematorium.

Please note that Warrington Rowing Club will host their annual Head of the Mersey event on Sunday, February 7.

It would be helpful if anglers use the lower section of the river at Victoria Park while it is in progress.

We intend to post membership forms for 2016 next week.

If you’ve changed address, then let me know by email.

Our headquarters at Parker Street are open every Friday, from 7pm, for night-permit renewals, subscriptions, memberships and queries.

Keep sending catch reports to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk, or call me on 01928 716238.

Results:

Mersey Sunday Series: 1, Roy Everson 1-0-8; 2, Ray Boden 0-14-0; 3, Ant Higham 0-13-0; 4, Ade Green 0-11-0.

Disabled and over 60s (Bridgewater Canal): 1, Derek Bibby 7-6-0; 2, Ron Durr 5-9-8; 3, Dennis Bate 5-0-0; 4, Stu Patterson 3-12-0.

Fixtures:

Sunday, Mersey Series: draw 10am, Mersey Walk.

Monday, Disabled and over 60s: draw 10am, Hough’s Bridge.