By Kingfisher

THOUGH windy tomorrow, the recent pattern of weather has been such that prospects for most local fisheries are more than reasonable for the time of year.

I say most, for I believe that the larger stillwaters, such as Foulridge Reservoir which should be excluded as it does not have an enormous head of fish, will continue to show form in line with recent weeks - poor - unless it's pike you're after.

If it is pike you want then you could so worse, especially for double figure fish. A number of 'specialists' have been enjoying good sport, including doubles, to legered baits.

Mackerel seems to be favourite, but trout is worth a try. Suspended or popped up sprats are taking fish also.

For coarse fish in general, though, unless you choose a very expensive heavily stocked commercial puddle, your choice should be between the canal and the river.

A hard choice it is too but, bearing in mind some good reports from mid-week, the river must be number one.

Darwen Mouth, which had been producing many double figure weights, is probably not worth consideration.

The deeper water at Walton-le-Dale is though, with big roach, chub and just the odd barbel falling to legered bread. Small maggot feeder, with juicy white maggots in it and on the hook, is also worth a try. If legering is your preferred method, then Red Scar on Elston should be on the list but - and the weather should be comfortable enough in the right peg - float fishing may well produce some big bags of fish from Balderstone upstream.

Some dace are showing, but chub are the number one target.

There should also be plenty of action on certain stretches of canal. Of course, at this time of year in particular, not every swim will hold lots of fish.

Peg selection, as described recently, should continue to be carefully considered. Half a pint each of squatts and casters, plus bread for punching and a quantity of liquidised, should be enough for a session anywhere.

Some quality roach reported from sheltered town centre sections in both Blackburn and Burnley, on caster. Smaller fish are present in large numbers at Foulridge Wharf and Salterforth for the punch and squatt, though there are bigger fish also for caster. On the Rochdale Canal (Hebden Bridge AC water) I have seen some tremendous roach catches to whip fished punch, in water so clear you wouldn't think you'd get a bite. It has become so clear now - and they're at it again.

Luddenden Foot is a great section under these conditions usually, and so it proved to be again last weekend for the Christmas Open. Local Derek Greenwood took an all-roach weight of almost seven pounds to win with Langroyd man Kevin James second with 4-8-12. Lots of pike, including some big ones, here for the roving angler.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is not high on the list of local pleasure anglers preferred venues, but perhaps it should be. As I mentioned some time ago it has been restored, and re-stocked (with all sorts). Boat traffic in the summer has been intense, but now almost non-existent, and catches are improving. Langroyd AC (Colne) provided the top two individuals in the latest Pennine Winter League match - on a windswept Huddersfield Narrow, yet couldn't make any impression in the league stakes, where GTI Rochdale Black (despite slumping to 13th on the day) maintain their overall lead. Todmorden Blue are closing in and could overtake in the final match. Burnley tackle dealer Ray Ayres was 'The Man' last Sunday with four chub and a carp on pole fished caster for 10-0-4.

Club mate Dave Wells fished bloodworm throughout for an all-roach 8-15-0. Almost five pounds was needed to frame and the stretch should fish even better this weekend.

THE Samantha Trundle Appeal Fund are holding a charity pike fishing match on December 15 at Barden Lane. Tickets are £7 with all proceeds going to the charity. A raffle at the Daneshouse Club will be held after the match with various tackle prizes on offer. The draw is at 9am and fishing is from 10am to 3pm. The draw will take place at Daneshouse Club car park.

For further details ring Gary Trundle on 01282 450541.

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