Frank Lythgoe’s Warrington Anglers Association column

THE Bridgewater Canal seems to be producing lots of small roach, although sport is still patchy.

Dave Shaw put together a catch of 30 roach on Tuesday taken on maggot and pinkie on the pole at 2½ to three metres.

Others in the area struggled – a few pike still showing but mainly jacks plus a few perch.

This past week, carp have been almost conspicuous by their absence at Appleton Reservoir with just the odd one reported.

However, the roach have been feeding really well with Andy Wilkinson on Thursday having a catch of 15 to 20lbs taken in four hours on quiver-tipped red maggot with a few better fish on corn. Another member enjoyed a similar catch the same day.

Ade Green struggled at Grey Mist on Sunday but his persistence paid off when he landed a male tench of 6lbs 5ozs 0drs taken on a running feeder rig with two hair rigged fake red maggots.

The following day, rumour has it that three of our bailiffs fished the Mist from the Ruler peg and hit the jackpot with tench, with one of them even managing to catch an 18½lbs carp on his first cast.

Matches and night fishing are allowed from Monday subject to the ongoing Covid-19 advice, social distancing, anti-backing hands and locks to our car parks after use. Let us hope that all members are aware of their responsibility to others.

Bookings for night fishing will be available strictly between 9am and 6pm from Friday by text only. Full details of night fishing and match fishing will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

Although High Legh Fishery remains closed at the moment, the good news is that the oxygen levels are now back to normal although more work is required before it reopens.

Hopefully this week there will be an interim stocking of roach and perch. More stocking reports in next week’s column.

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.

Despite the small turnout for the working party at Sandiway Small lake on Saturday, some essential peg improvements were made – thanks guys.

There will be more opportunities in the near future for anyone who missed out on this occasion.

Please park sensibly on our re-stoned car park at Appleton Reservoir to maximise the use of the full area for the benefit of other members.

In other words, park like a professional and not like the inconsiderate driver who parked his white car in front of our gateway at Rixton Claypits on Tuesday, blocking in a member.

Thanks to everyone who turned out this week to ensure the car park was finished before the parking restrictions come into force on Friday.

You can still renew memberships along with your night permit online from our Warrington Anglers Association website. It works a treat on mobile, tablet or laptop.

You must use the required numbers from both your postcode and membership number as printed on your booklet address label. Most tackle shops advertised in your membership book are open for click & collect.

Reports from members, pics or funny stories are always welcome. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a call on 01928 716238.

n Fixtures:

Monday, disabled and over 60s, Bridgewater Canal: Draw 9.45am at Walton Church. £5 all-in. Exact money only, no change given. Covid-19 rules apply.