York Amalgamation announced the acquisition of a new river fishery this week.

Following the increasing number of river fishery losses, this makes a pleasant 'U'-turn.

The small section of the river Nidd around Goldsborough is not regularly fished but is known to hold a healthy head of both coarse and game fish. The stretch is open now for anglers targeting trout with fly or worm, although the odd grayling could turn up too given the species' recent population explosion on the Nidd.

Come June 16 it will be chub and dace that are the main quarry although barbel also inhabit this section of the river.

The fishery is reached through Goldsborough village. Find the pub, and then turn right and next left into Midgeley Road. After a mile there is a concrete pad for parking and a track leading around 400 metres down to the river. Anglers may take their vehicles down to the river bank if conditions permit but the landowner will not tow you out if you get stuck.

I would welcome any reports from the new fishery which can be relayed to me via the usual channels.

One fishery in great form this week is Carpvale where tench in particular have been in ravenous mood in the match pool.

Fish to over 5lb have been taken with pole and worm proving the best method, fished over chopped worm.

York angler Paul Fawcett took the 5lb fish pictured from peg 29 on the match pool on a dendrabena fished to the island opposite. He had several other big tench and some bream to 5lb.

The Amalgamation committee have provided a timely reminder this week regarding the rules at flag-ship fishery Laybourne Lakes.

Fishing times are from 7.30am until dusk. Maximum permitted hook size is a 12. Baits not to be used are boilies, peanuts, tiger nuts, bloodworm and joker. Furthermore, sweetcorn can only be used as a hook bait and bread may not be floated on the surface. Carp and silver fish must be kept in separate keep-nets and for a period not in excess of five hours.

Finally a quick reminder that ground-bait is not allowed at Rawcliffe Lake.

One angler was feeder fishing there with some success this week. In addition to breaking the ground-bait rule he also had his substantial catch in a keep-net, which is also not allowed.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, May 14, 2004