THERE are still a few small patches of ice on Woodshaw Reservoir, but bailiff Chris Connell was out last Thursday when there were only a few corners free of ice and the temperature was well below zero.

He didn’t blank, well he half-blanked for he struck into his only bite only to lose it at the net.

You’ve got to give the guy some encouragement and thanks for what he and the team do around the Wigan fisheries. By the way, the lock to the C&D car park is now back in working order.

The Sunday Mersey match was off this week, so organiser Ray Boden headed for Appleton Reservoir and set up his tackle on the sandbank. Fishing groundbait feeder and maggot, he was soon into the roach.

An hour later, committee member Mike Dench showed up and set his gear alongside facing the outflow and, using the same method, he caught a few roach and then decided to change to his favourite sweetcorn bait to target the bigger fish.

He reckons he ended up with a few dozen roach between eight and 12ozs but that Ray had more fish. As most waters are really hard going, it has to be worth a visit.

If the rain keeps off, bailiff Neil Buck reckons the Wyre, although at present carrying extra water, will be looking good for the weekend. The river has been producing some half decent chub catches. Our disabled and over 60s match carried on regardless as I think they enjoy the company and banter almost as much as the fishing.

This must be the case as the results prove where winner Derek Bibby needed only 4oz and 4drams for the win. In fact, he was the only angler to clock up ounces!

Alan Brown was the runner-up with 12drams.

Don’t forget folks to get in touch if you have not received your membership book.

Come on guys with those catch reports, good, bad, or unusual they are always more than welcome. Please send to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a call on 01928 716238.

WAA headquarters at 52 Parker Street are open as usual every Friday between 7pm and 9pm for 2018 night permits/membership renewals, new members, subscriptions, and any queries.

Results:

Monday, disabled and over 60s: 1, Derek Bibby 0-4-4; 2, Alan Brown 0-0-12; 3=, G. Barber/R Durr 0-0-8.

Fixtures:

Sunday, River Mersey Series: Draw 10am at Mersey Walk.

Monday, disabled and over 60s: Draw 10am at Woodshaw Reservoir.