Frank Lythgoe's Warrington Anglers Association column

NEIL Plunkett managed a well-earned break on Monday from his hectic schedule and decided try his luck at Rixton Claypits.

He wasn’t expecting anything spectacular but spotted some shoaling fish and it was game on.

He fished small cage feeder with fine ground bait and a few maggots, size 16 hook baited with double red maggot.

It was obvious after a while that the fish were not exactly ravenous and needed to drop it on their noses for any chance of a bite. The final outcome was three tench, three to 4lbs apiece.

Despite the flooded conditions, Nathan Blythin enjoyed a session at The Mount fishery on Sunday and ended up with half a dozen carp – the biggest at 18lbs.

Roach are showing on the car park peg but wellies are essential…preferably thigh waders.

The sunny weather on Friday tempted committee member Ade Green out for a session on the Mersey, where Lynda and I found him staring at a motionless tip.

But we must have brought him luck as he caught a small roach within a few minutes.

He had 18 small roach in total on red maggot and a change towards the end to worm saw him strike into a decent fish but the adrenalin rush was short lived as the hook pulled out.

Never mind Ade, it was a lovely day and you were on the bank enjoying your sport.

We have removed the upstream area of the River Gowy from our online maps as ownership has changed and the new owners wish to have animals on their land but no anglers.

Following discussions with them we must respect their decision. Members now must not fish upstream of the A56 bridge.

There is another working party for essential maintenance at Sandiway Small Lake this Saturday (March 6).

Meet at the lake at 9am, volunteers must book in with Matt Akery on arrival in order that he is aware of those attending. The area where the work is taking place will be closed during the day from 9am to 3pm to all who are not involved in the working party.

Please note reasonable travel is allowed by volunteers for such tasks and the usual Covid-19 restrictions – social distancing etc – must be observed.

Any member who fancies getting involved with organised working parties should either enrol on our Warrington Anglers Volunteers Facebook group or contact me with their details.

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 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.

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.