The only contest booked on York waters this weekend sees Star Angling Club tackle the Ouse at Beningbrough village tomorrow.

Most river venues have been inconsistent of late with levels constantly fluctuating. Silver fish sport has, however, been steadily improving on the Tadcaster water at Smaws Ings over the past two weeks as the roach and dace finally drop downstream into their winter quarters. My tip would therefore be the section opposite at Healaugh Manor, where the float rod can be given an airing in pleasant rural surroundings.

Tomorrow would probably offer the best chance of tranquillity as Tadcaster AC have an open contest on the opposite bank on Sunday.

Flooding could once again pose a major threat to the weekend's action with anglers likely to have to head for the calmer waters of local lakes and ponds.

There is no shortage of choice and recent mild weather has seen midweek anglers enjoying an unseasonal bounty of carp and tench.

Plenty of carp to 6lb have been caught at Raker Lakes with Horseshoe the pick. Good mixed nets of carp and silver can still be had on Goldrush lake at the Willows.

In the same vicinity the front pond at Carpvale is a safe bet for a bite a chuck with Poppleton Ponds also productive.

A stone's throw from here, the Amalgamation Laybourne Lakes complex continues to justify the purchase of a York Yearbook on its own.

Maple Lake at the Oaks, near Sessay, is good for 30 to 40lb pleasure-nets and big bags of bream, carp and tench have been taken at Oaktree Leisure at Huby.

Finally, Chris Jewitt advises that all Tollerton Ponds are in great form with plenty of tench showing a liking for the unusually high water temperatures.

Burn Road pond on the outskirts of Selby continues to fish well with tench also featuring among good catches of roach and skimmers.

Pegs facing the road have offered the most shelter from the seemingly endless gales and have produced the bulk of recent catches.

Updated: 10:30 Friday, January 21, 2005