Warrington Anglers' Association column, with Frank Lythgoe

THANKS to the Environment Agency fisheries team for their very welcome early Christmas present.

They stocked 100 percent true crucian carp and green tench into Ackers Pit on Monday.

There were approximately 300 fish around four to six inches in size which were bred and supplied from the EA hatchery at Calverton.

They will certainly enhance existing stocks and members' sport as they grow into future specimen fish.

Clifford Buckley had a three-hour session at Fosters C and D Pools at Wigan. He opted to fish ‘D’ and caught a chub around the 2½lbs mark plus a roach, losing two further chub at the net. Not a mega-catch but enjoyable nevertheless being out in the fresh air and winter sunshine.

Ian Beswick reports a total catch of five pike over two day sessions from the Bridgewater Canal at the Kraft arm.

He was encouraged by his first-day catch of four fish on Saturday with the best at around 6lbs so he went for a repeat performance on Sunday. But he only caught the one fish which turned out to be the biggest at 12lbs 12ozs. All fish fell to float-fished dead bait enhanced with his added attractant.

Having not fished Grey Mist for around 14 years Jess Steele was absolutely made up when on his fifth session there he slid his net under a 20lb mirror last week. Onwards and upwards for 2020.

It was a very poor turnout for our Saturday match at Boothstown but the fish are still there, with organiser Ray Boden catching over 4lbs in what was more or less a pleasure session. However, it is on again on Saturday, see details below in the fixtures.

Our Monday Disabled and Over 60s match on the Bridgewater Canal was drawn this week at Hough’s Bridge and saw match organiser Jimmy Byrne a clear winner with almost 3lbs to spare.

Fishing the pole and alternating between punched bread, pinky, and maggot he put together a net of mainly roach plus half-a-dozen perch for a weight of 8-11-12.

Alan Brown drew one peg away from where he won the previous week at Walton Gardens Bridge taking second place with 5-14-8 of small roach. Change of venue next week to our Woodshaw fishery.

Don’t forget there are not many anglers on the banks at this time of the year so I would really welcome any catch reports – good, bad, or indifferent as these help fellow members to plan their outings. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a ring on 01928 716238.

WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street are open as usual every Friday 7pm-9pm. New members are welcome to call in and join, current ones can renew their subscription, or night permit.

RESULTS: Monday: Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Jimmy Byrne 8-11-12; 2, Alan Brown 5-14-8; 3, Ron Durr 5-6-8; 4, Bas Chambers 5-2-8.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Bridgewater Canal match (members only), draw 9.30am on bank at Boothstown, opposite the Moorings Pub (postcode M28 1YB). Ring Ray Boden for further information on 07790 317714. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s match, draw 10am, Woodshaw Reservoir.