16th February 2021 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

16th February 2021 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

There is currently not a lot happening what with the recent monsoon
weather, followed by most fisheries being covered in ice, a thaw, and
the Government travel restrictions, so I have put the clock back and
dug out a few reports from this same time last year pre- Covid-19 when
life was normal.

February 2020:

The rivers are definitely not fit to visit this week until we lose
this monsoon type weather. I was not at all surprised when our bailiff
on the Dee sent me a picture of the river where the fields were part
of the river and definitely not even safe to approach. Jeff Morgan
sent me a photo of our stretch of the Wye showing a car 'parked' in
the river behind the sewage works. It definitely will take some
removing as there is no access except on foot.

Jason Griffiths braved the muddy conditions at Appleton Reservoir on
Sunday and was more than happy when he landed a cracking 20lbs mirror.
There was a downside however for when he landed the fish it was
trailing helicopter rig complete with lead and a length of line. The
problem with what should have been a safe rig was that the beads had
been put on wrong and were not for moving. Thankfully the fish did not
suffer any obvious ill effects.

On Saturday Simon Oldfield had a wander along the River Dane at Holmes
Chapel and with the river showing a little colour and fining off the
conditions looked promising. He fished a shouldered alloy stemmed
stick-float set up on 5lbs line and a 16's hook. Loose-feeding maggot
with double red on the business end he ended up with a couple of chub,
two nice grayling, and a brace of trout and an enjoyable session in
pleasant surroundings.

Gareth Wright visited the River Dee at Shocklach on Thursday and
finally had some fly-fishing success with a decent grayling taken on a
nymph. Certainly, the Dee holds some cracking grayling and our
stretches are worth a trip no matter what method you chose.

This weekend 22nd and 23rd February our 'display team' will be on our
stand at the Northern Angling Show taking place at Event City,
Manchester, postcode M17 8AS. Warrington Anglers stand is near the
main stage so hope to see you there. Will it ever be back on the cards
in the future?

Present Day:

Report from our head bailiff of a 26-8-0 pike being caught from our
stretch of the Ribble at Hurst Green on Tuesday. Lots of plastic waste
left on the banksides having been swept down with the floods as the
level dropped.

There is a working party for essential maintenance at Sandiway Small
Lake this Saturday 20th February meet at the lake at 9am. Please book
in with Matt Akery on arrival. The fishery will be closed for the day
to all who are not involved in the working party.

After the longest membership post-out I have experienced for some time
due to Covid-19 approximately 99% are already in the post and the
remaining few will be posted tomorrow. Thanks to Ade, Bob and his
lovely wife Sue who certainly did more than their share to achieve
this. Please be mindful that our postal service is likewise under
similar strain, some areas more affected than others.

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 again on Friday
19th February, 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.

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, so 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 ring on 01928 716238.

Stay safe,
Frank Lythgoe