Topcroft Lakes near Hempnall have begun to fish well for the popular carp there and a couple of double figure beauties have already graced the bank. More common catches have been those feeding strongly in the 6lb-8 lb range on the feeder, well flung out.

Topcroft Lakes near Hempnall have begun to fish well for the popular carp there and a couple of double figure beauties have already graced the bank.

More common catches have been those feeding strongly in the 6lb-8 lb range on the feeder, well flung out.

Success at the side has only happened at the very end of the day, with fish still reluctant to enter 10 inches of cold, windswept water.

The silver fish have done well throughout the winter, but many are looking forward to seeing just how much weight the little home bred tench have put on.

Halesworth Fishery, off on the Wissett Road, is now open for two of the lakes, and the last match held there produced a 91lb top weight and an average of 35lb per angler.

Carp from 1lb to 14lb were taken on a variety of methods but the pole and soft pellet ruled.

The large middle lake is due to open towards the end of summer, however there are currently 50 pegs available on the other lakes. Day tickets costs �6 (�5 concessions).

Nigel Bale at his Ellingham Nursery Fishery has been busy with more improvements, having enlarged the newer part of his water, again increasing the width. With the resulting dredger work heightening the colour the fish went mad and were climbing up the rod last week. It's great value for a fiver with concessions.

Annual meeting time is approaching and Harleston, Wortwell and District AC match secretary Nigel Poll has announced his date at the Apollo Club for Friday, April 30 at 7.30pm. The club have enjoyed a fantastically successful season, particularly on their prolific still waters, leaving the River virtually unfished for the purists.

On the same night Earsham Angling Club will be meeting at the Queen's Head, Earsham. Bungay Cherry Tree AC annual meeting on Friday, April 23 looks set for the Bowls Club in Bungay where fireworks could be on the cards, with the officer structure and coaching set to be discussed.

Holidaymakers continue to fish the river and marina at Beccles in some numbers without a bailiff in sight.