Frank Lythgoe's Warrington Anglers Association column...

A CATCH of Ribble chub by committee member Mike Dench headed last week’s column, although it had occurred 12 months ago almost to the day.

Well, back to present day when on Sunday in the company of Des Boyd, it was decided that they both needed to escape four walls for a few hours and headed for Appleton Reservoir. It was muddy and the water levels were understandably high so they fished from the dam wall.

Des set up with a feeder and swing-tip with liquidised bread and maggot and was soon into the roach from a swim 20 to 25 metres out from the wall.

Mike had a slow start, with only a couple of roach to show for the first two hours despite trying both feeder and waggler methods.

He had now and again been loose-feeding a few red maggots at a couple of rod-lengths and decided to change to an eight-metre whip to hand.

He started catching roach, some chunky specimens and ended up with six or 7lbs of fish.

Interestingly, the last cast brought a surprise tiny mirror carp which he carefully placed in full view for a pic of his catch. Des ended up with a similar catch minus the carp.

Are the Ocean fish we stocked successfully breeding? This is the first that has been reported…any further catches please let me know.

Last Thursday, Woodshaw Reservoir regular Johnny Johnson managed to eventually get the fish biting after a slow start on this popular well-maintained venue.

It took until dinner time for them to respond but he managed to tempt two decent Crucians and a few silvers, all falling to maggot and punch.

If everything goes to plan, we should be receiving the delivery of the 2021 membership books anytime soon but because of COVID-19 restrictions at HQ, the post-out will no doubt be slower.

If members wish to renew online so their cards are sent out stamped and paid, you will need to get a move on as we will be suspending the renewal option for a couple of weeks while we attack the task of enveloping, franking and posting.

Our WAA headquarters at 52 Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT remains closed on Friday evenings until further notice.

Members can simply post to this address or put their book or request in an envelope with their payment and a stamped addressed envelope through our HQ door, where mail is collected and dealt with most days.

Alternatively, you can post to Warrington Anglers Association PO. Box 71, Warrington WA1 1LR where mail is collected weekly.

You can now renew memberships and night permits online from our Warrington Anglers Association website. It works a treat on mobile, tablet, or laptop.

I would really appreciate members to send me any of your pics, reports, or stories as at this time of the year there is not a lot happening. Good, bad or indifferent, they may help fellow members to plan any trips to the bankside.

Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a call on 01928 716238.