The rains that have brought flooding misery to many in the south and east of the country over the New Year period look set to threaten the big match of the weekend.

Sunday is scheduled to bring more than 100 anglers to the Ouse below York for the third round of the Acomb Tackle York Winter League.

But at the time of writing the river is still out of its banks and I think that it is highly doubtful that the contest will go ahead.

If the match is cancelled it could spark a mass exodus to the many stillwater fisheries in the region.

Raker Lakes has been in good form with plenty of small carp falling to maggot or corn on Horseshoe Lake. Pegs 18, 19 and 30 are the pegs to head for. A chopped worm and maggot attack fished at 12 metres will find plenty of roach and skimmers waiting at the bottom of the far ledge.

Across the way on Acorn Lakes, carp, skimmers, tench and crucians can be found on corn fished into deeper water. The Willows continues to produce some good catches with Goldrush the pick. Pole or waggler with maggot will score. Even though the carp are not responding too well there are still lots of ide, orfe and small chub to keep the float dipping.

At Carpvale the front pond is the most consistent with a good mixed bag always on the cards. Try a small maggot feeder cast towards one of the two islands for small carp, skimmers and tench.

A little further afield the Beverley Canal is in superb form with roach weights fuelled by warm water from the local trade effluents. A recent match was won with 22lb of prime roach and anglers were throwing back double-figure catches. Pole and bread punch fished in the deepest water at around eight metres is all that is required so a cheap day's sport is guaranteed. Tickets are available from the garage at the top end of the fishery in Beverley town centre.

Following last weekend's winter league contest two items of tackle were found on the bank. They are currently being held at Tang Hall WMC where the rightful owner may collect them.

Don't forget to keep an eye on the Ings when the floods recede. Fish will inevitably become stranded and a swift response can lead to them being effectively rescued. Call the Environment Agency free-phone emergency contact number on 0800 80 70 60. The service is manned 24 hours a day.

Updated: 11:40 Friday, January 03, 2003