The latest news and results from Warrington Anglers’ Association courtesy of Lukasz Procek…
IT’S raining, it’s pouring…
Miserable weather for some, but at least the water levels are on the rise.
Despite getting completely drenched on Sunday while doing some essential work at Statham Pool with fellow committee member Stuart Brazier, I’m still happy for some well-needed rain.
This week, we have some construction work planned for Cicely Mill and also Statham Pool. As promised previously, we will try to keep disruption to a minimum but sometimes it simply cannot be avoided.
Thank you for your understanding – I’ll give a progress report with some pictures next week.
As mentioned last week, we are steadily moving forward with maintenance and repair work on association waters.
At Cicely Mill, both the car park and paths are being resurfaced and should be ready for this weekend.
Elsewhere, fencing at Statham Pool is being replaced and, all being well, should also be finished by the weekend. Thanks to everyone that has helped out!
The next upcoming work party is at Rixton Claypits on September 21 from 9am. As mentioned last week, there’s plenty to do and all help is appreciated – details are posted on our Facebook page.
One final reminder from match organizer Mike Dench and the WAA Committee – this Sunday, September 14, the first “Frank Lythgoe memorial match” will take place on the River Mersey at Victoria Park.
To book on for the match, message Mike on 07961855790. Lots of fantastic prizes have been donated/provided, and there's some brilliant tackle to be won so brave the elements and dust off your gear!
Now let us move on to the banks, starting with the Bridgewater Canal.
Andy Corr and his friend Andy Donegan chose a beautiful section of the canal at Grappenhall. Both anglers fished the pole, using either pinkies or bread punch on the hook (or both sometimes) over a bed of dark groundbait.
The day started a little slowly but after a short while, Andy C got his first bite. He fished five metres out and opted for bread punch on a size twenty hook.
After catching a couple of fish, Andy noticed a sneaky pike had ‘parked up’ underneath his feet.
Understandably, bites quickly slowed down but Andy managed to catch another small roach. As he was about to swing it in, a pike-shaped missile darted in and snapped up his roach!
Unfortunately for the greedy pike, it ended up hooking itself well, and Andy was left with a fight on his hands...
Not many of us can say they’ve landed a decent pike on a size 20 hook, especially when fishing with light gear.
Afterwards Andy opted to bait up a new swim at 12.5 meters and before long, he was catching again.
All in all, he ended up with around 70 good quality roach and perch and a bonus pike. The pike only caught one small roach but had a lovely day regardless.
Andy D meanwhile opted for a slightly different strategy and fished right in the middle of the canal. He was also using dark groundbait and bread punch and pinkies on the hook.
He ended up catching more perch than his friend but overall, they were fish for fish. No missiles recorded though, but a good day’s fishing none the less. Well done to both of you.
The Bridgewater Canal is being mentioned quite a lot recently in the reports, which is really nice to see.
There’s a wide and varied assortment of fish in our canals, and I think members are starting to remember just how good the fishing can be.
There’s certainly a growing number of members back on the canal banks so if you’ve not considered it for a while, you should give it a go.
Cicely Mill pool now, where Stuart Brazier managed another short session this week.
Using maggots as his bait paired with a small sensitive float, he quickly started bagging up on some lovely roach and perch.
A little bit later, he also caught a couple of pristine small tench, some of which were stocked last winter no doubt.
It is great to see the tench doing so well at Cicely, it’s such a pleasant water.
Sadly in my case, I only get to see them when I help with the stocking so it’s great to hear about them from other anglers.
Anthony Higham’s report from the River Mersey and pairs match, River Mersey/Bridgewater Canal 07/09/2025.
The river level at the start of the match was steady at 3.5 meters with a gentle flow and clear water.
What a match it was, with organizer Mike Dench close to beating the all-time match record weight of 58lb set by Derek Bibby.
Mike fished peg 34 and won the river part with an absolutely gigantic haul (and personal best) of 53-14-0.
He put on a bit of a masterclass on the feeder, fishing almost halfway out and catching numerous bream up to 5lb, plus lots of quality skimmers. Genuinely an amazing result Mike – well done.
The runner-up – fishing next door on peg 33 – was your match correspondent Anthony Higham. Anthony also fished the feeder catching bream up to 3lb and a net full of skimmers and he also scored his personal best with a weight of 37-9-0.
Claiming third spot fishing peg 30 was former world champion Kevin Ashurst. Kevin fished pole and the tip for a mixed bag of fish, and a final weight of 18-2-0.
Results for River Mersey match
1. M. Dench 53-14-0
2. A. Higham 37-9-0
3. K. Ashurst 18-2-0
Eleven pairs fished in the Mersey-Canal match. Conditions on the canal were a bit more challenging.
Everyone persisted and caught a good mixed bag of roach, perch and skimmers. Most anglers alternated and fished different distances throughout the match.
Results for the pairs match:
1. Mike Dench – Nigel Lees
2. Tony Carr – Harold Billing
3. Anthony Higham – Ade Green
Next week, as mentioned, will be the Frank Lythgoe Memorial match – draw as usual at 8:45am at Victoria Park.
To book on please text 07961855790 or message through the dedicated Facebook page.
Jimmy Byrne’s report from the Disabled and Over 60s match at Agden
The day began with plenty of sunshine, which swiftly alternated between the occasional heavy downpour and back to sunshine again.
Winner of the match John Ashwin fished pole at 11 and then 12 meters, catching two quality bream followed by five skimmers and a couple of roach. All were caught on caster and maggot.
Mike Dench didn't rest on his laurels after his win the day before and secured second place, filling his net with roach and perch on caster and maggot. Ron Durr also followed a similar pattern and finished third in the match.
Well done to everyone
1. J. Ashurst 11-3-0
2. M. Dench 9-3-0
3. R. Durr 7-6-3
The next match is to be at Stage Lane.
As ever, please send your catch reports to quartermaster@warrington-anglers.org.uk or message 07395185026.
Please include a brief description and method used with a picture or two where possible.