THE warm weather of the last week has given way to colder conditions in the last two days putting the weekend prospects in the balance.

Fish were starting to feed on the surface at York-area stillwaters during the week as witnessed by this cracking mirror carp taken by York rod Bob Swift (pictured) from the front pond at Carpvale this week. A large lump of floating bread flake fished in conjunction with a controller float was the successful method.

At Tollerton Ponds, the tench are starting to show in the front pond. Fish to 4lb have been taken on pole and caster from pegs facing the A19. Target the bottom of the near ledge with caster or worm over chopped worm.

Lots of small carp are falling to corn or pellet fished tight to the island at Poppleton Ponds while across the road at the Willows Goldrush is the better of the two lakes with maggot or pellet accounting for mixed bags of carp, tench, ide, orfe and chub.

Anglers hooked on fishing can get their hands on a new bumper guide packed full of information about the sport.

The North of England Angling Guide 2003/2004 has been published by the Environment Agency.

The 84-page full colour guide is the best yet and features still waters, rivers and canals in the north east and north west - that's more than 800 fisheries from the Scottish borders, down to Chesterfield and Congleton.

The booklet reveals the type of fishery, where to find it, plus contact numbers and an indication of what restrictions may apply.

The guide is broken down into easy-to-use geographical areas and also has sections on:

Disabled angling, including wheely boats and where to find them

Byelaws for the Agency's North East and North West Regions

Rod licence information and where to buy them

Angling good practice, including water safety tips

Useful angling phone numbers and websites

To get your free copy of the booklet, call the Agency's general inquiry line on 0845 933 3111.

Updated: 10:08 Friday, April 11, 2003