CHRIS BISHOP Not quite an Indian summer but the roach fishing's seen another exceptional week as the angling press trumpets record catches from East Anglian rivers.

CHRIS BISHOP

Not quite an Indian summer but the roach fishing's seen another exceptional week as the angling press trumpets record catches from East Anglian rivers.

The Great Ouse and Nene are both fishing well, with Ten Mile Bank downstream of the new bridge the spot to head for on the Ouse and the stretches between Stibbington and Peterborough the place on the Nene.

Seed baits have come into their own on both rivers, breadflake can also be worth a try at times. Tench showing on the Ouse downstream of the Chapel to baits like maggot and corn, and on the Cut Off Channel, where specimens to 7lbs have been reported.

The Environment Agency has released more than 25,000 small bream into the Ouse at Modney, at the top of the King's Lynn AA stretch.

The Middle Level Drain is also showing a run of late form, with visitors from Yorkshire reporting a great week with roach, skimmers, bream and tench all gracing their nets.

The highlight of their stay was a 30lbs roach net from the Pingle Bridge stretch, fishing hemp and tares on the whip.

Carp still in evidence on the Bear Lake at Shepherd's Port, tench and bream from Shepherd's lake on feeder and roach and tench still feeding on the Ken Hill Marsh lagoons.

Matchmen return to the Cut Off Channel on Saturday for the first Lynn AA open fixture of the autumn.

These have been popular and keenly-fought events over the last couple of seasons, on what is a very fair and level venue, with roach present in all pegs and 20lbs-plus usually needed to win.

There are also some hefty perch around the bridges at either end of the stretch and bonus bream and tench present, which can weigh in at 6lbs a throw.

Either can add a bit of spice to proceedings for those prepared to sit it out on worm and caster for perhaps three or four fish, rather than go all out to build a roach net.

The draw is being held at Hilgay car park, at 8.30am, fish 10am - 3pm. Tickets (£3) must be booked in advance from Lynn AA's Mike Grief, on 01553 671545. There's also an optional pool (£12) and one rule to note is no bloodworm or joker to be used.