CHRIS BISHOP Rivers and drains in the Fens got off to a flying start, with the bream feeding well despite the downpours.As predicted in this column, the Middle Level Drain was pick of the crop, with one trio of anglers bagging 440lb from adjacent pegs on the favoured Crooked Chimney stretch, between Morton's and Pingle, using feeder tactics with worm on the hook.

CHRIS BISHOP

Rivers and drains in the Fens got off to a flying start, with the bream feeding well despite the downpours.

As predicted in this column, the Middle Level Drain was pick of the crop, with one trio of anglers bagging 440lb from adjacent pegs on the favoured Crooked Chimney stretch, between Morton's and Pingle, using feeder tactics with worm on the hook.

Baiting up is the key to attracting one of the massive shoals which roam the drain.

Lynn chairman Kelvin Allen showed he isn't just a stillwater man, following his recently ton-up performance at Tottenhill with a 60lb net of Level slabs.

Other catches of note on the drain include carp of 23lb 60z and 16lb landed by bream anglers, while 16-year-old predator fan Nial Crumpler landed a 10lb 1oz zander on a dead roach.

Ten Mile Bank was consistent with pegs in the high 300s towards the owl box producing roach, bream and tench nets to 35lb. Bigger tench and bream showing around the Wissey mouth, which was where some of the best weights came from last summer.

Tench to double figures are rumoured from a river which is bursting with food this summer.

The Cut Off Channel's a little overgrown in places but there were a number of 50lb nets reported from between the bridges at Hilgay and Fordham. A bream ounces under 10lb was also reported.

Good fishing by anyone's standards and when you consider this is all fishable a £4 a day.

Carp to double figures are now showing at Tottenhill for anyone who can tear themselves away from the rivers. Best out was 16lbs 9oz, good bran tub fishing with tench, bream and silvers all joining the party.

Lynn Juniors' first open of the year at Tottenhill on Saturday proved a tricky task with heavy downpours and a thunderstorm causing an early halt to proceedings. Luke Morley came first with 18lb 3 oz, Tom Cockle second with 13lb 6oz, and Nathaniel Winner was third with 12lb 4oz.

Dents of Hilgay's West Fen Lakes are hard going at present, but if you keep it light and feed maggot, you should catch you plenty of fish.

Farm shop Lake and Kingfisher are fishing well on light tackle, but not on top form yet. Kingfisher Lake is turning up some good carp and is well worth a visit.