IT may be the unlucky 13th, but this Sunday should see anglers return to the banks following the big freeze-up.

Although most local stillwaters are still iced over, the rivers are flowing again, which should allow the fourth round of the Yorkshire Winter League to take place on the Ouse below York.

Anglers World hold a slender lead over Hirst Tackle and will be looking to extend the advantage on their home water.

With the semi-final venues confirmed as Cheshire's River Weaver, and the Stainforth and Keadby Canal, competition will be fierce as usual to secure the right to avoid the bloodworm-dominated canal.

The only other matches booked are tomorrow at Donkeywoods, which hosts local clubs, and the aptly-titled Icebreakers - who shouldn't have to live up to their name - at Howsham Hall on Sunday.

With plenty of water free the pleasure angler has a lot of scope.

For a cheap day's sport the Ouse in the city centre is well worth a visit. The extra shelter from the riverside developments saw the walkways stay ice-free last week. Catches were modest but should have improved with several frost free nights.

I would tackle Marygate or Butcher Terrace with a small feeder and bread, or a straight lead and caster.

The Wharfe at Healaugh Grange should also fish well where shoals of dace will be tightly packed in the deeper pegs above the viaduct. Stick or waggler with maggot will score with a maggot feeder.

Boat movements kept the Aire and Calder Navigation fishable last weekend and the 20 souls who braved the Selby Open enjoyed a surprise bag at Pollington.

Dave Bowyer of Selby had a fine 20lb 12oz net of roach from peg 415. Pole and caster accounted for fish to over a pound. There were six other weights over ten with pegs from 410 to 425 the ones to target.

Anglers fishing York-controlled venues are reminded they should have the 2002 Year Book which is available from all the usual outlets. There is no price increase.

Updated: 12:09 Friday, January 11, 2002