Anglers can look forward to an Easter extravaganza on local ponds and lakes this weekend fuelled by the mild southerly winds.

Water temperatures have been on the rise and still-water fisheries are reporting bumper catches.

The opening round of the Bob.Co Spring League at Carpvale saw a superb all-bream net of 60lb from the match lake take the honours. Pole with chopped worm and caster was the successful method.

Carp are now also on the move and the action continues this Sunday. There may be a few places available for those not booked to fish the series and prospective competitors can call Kev Whincup on 01904 738249 to reserve a peg.

Most of the other commercial fisheries are also in good form as are all of the York Amalgamation lakes.

Rawcliffe Lake produced some big crucians to two anglers fishing at the school end during the week. Waggler and sweetcorn brought them several fish over 2lbs.

Tench were also in evidence as were lots of roach and the odd chub. Several big carp were noted to be on the move but were proving difficult to tempt.

Laybourne Lakes is in good form with most of the ponds producing good mixed nets.

Small carp are reputed to be showing a preference to pellets fished tight to the island on Marley Lake where pole and paste fished down the track is sorting out the heftier specimens.

At Park View, bream are providing the bulk of the action with a small feeder and worm proving effective.

Bream and skimmers are also to be found at Claxton Pond where bread punch scores well.

I have heard no reports from the Pocklington Canal recently but I would urge anglers to give it a try.

The Derwent and Pocklington Beck have been running high in the past few weeks and as a consequence the Canal should also be holding plenty of colour.

Coupled with the absence, yet, of any prolific weed growth and the unseasonably warm weather there could not be a better opportunity to bag a big tench or bream.

Pole and worm seems to be the favoured approach fished over chopped worm and casters.

Updated: 09:34 Friday, March 25, 2005