DUE to the confusion caused by the booking of last weekend's flooded-ruined Ouse Championships, there are few angling matches booked on York waters this weekend.

The only two venues taken are the tidal Ouse at Acaster and Claxton Pond.

I suspect that only the latter is likely to go ahead given the high levels still to be encountered.

While the Ouse was back within its banks on Wednesday, the Derwent was still rising in response to heavy rains on the moors and was overtopping the flood-banks at North Duffield earlier this week.

Ponds it has to be then. With temperatures relatively mild for the time of year, carp are continuing to feed well on the commercial lakes and ponds.

Fish tend to become more tightly shoaled at this time of year making swim selection critical. Drop onto the right peg and you could end up with a net-full.

I would always advise asking the fishery owner which pegs are producing at this time of year before plonking your seat-box down in your usual peg.

Bait choice can also be critical as water and air temperatures start to plummet.

During the warmer summer months the fish will accept just about anything, with cat meat and pellets and paste probably accounting for the majority of carp.

At this time of year, sweetcorn takes over as the bait of choice and once the first serious run of frosts is upon us then the humble maggot takes some beating.

If you are heading for a commercial venue this weekend, a tin of corn and a pint of maggots are all you should need, given the right directions.

The Yorkshire Winter League reaches round three on Sunday with the largely York-based Anglers World Holidays squad looking to consolidate an excellent win in the previous round on a flooded Ouse at Hunters Lodge and Linton, which saw them move into joint-second place just a point behind current league leaders Leeds.

The Aire and Calder Canal between Rawcliffe and Beavers Bridge is the venue and it is one that has been kind to the York boys in previous seasons.

Pegs on the wides opposite the boats at Pollington are normally stuffed with roach at this time of year and if we avoid a heavy frost should provide the winner.

If the ground turns white and crunchy then the going will be tough and an end peg will help greatly. Perch will be the main target in these circumstances with chopped worm the tactic.

Weekend Bookings

Saturday: No bookings.

Sunday: Acaster. Pudsey Royal AC. Claxton Pond. Shepherds AC.

Updated: 09:56 Friday, October 29, 2004