A rapid fall in the level of the River Ouse will be needed if the fourth leg of the Acomb Tackle York Winter League is to take place on Sunday.

I would advise the 120 competitors to make alternative plans. There are flood warnings in force on all the major match rivers.

The main beneficiaries of a cancellation, other than the owners of commercial fisheries, will be the Bar Six side, who lead the league by an impressive margin.

They are almost a match in front of the others at the halfway stage of the league campaign.

Last Sunday I spent a very enjoyable, if chilly, couple of hours at Maran Lakes. Situated off the A59 just outside Long Marston the four lake trout fishing complex is being redeveloped by Martin Rhodes.

I was soon being offered casting lessons and friendly advice on the best patterns to tempt the lakes' silver rainbows.

Not many fish were willing to leave their chilly home, but the few I saw confirmed head bailiff Sid Knowlsons' report that they average 3 to 4lbs, with fish up to double this size.

The regulars are keen to encourage new and apprentice fly fishers and run a club at the fishery ticket office on the second Wednesday evening in each month. There are guest speakers and fly tying demonstrations.

Junior anglers feature prominently in the future plans of the lake and it is hoped to run a juniors fly tie and fish-in on the last Sunday in the month.

Juniors keen to learn more about the noble art should turn up at around 10am.

Tuition will be given in the absorbing skill of fly tying, along with the altogether more frustrating task of learning to cast a line.

If weather conditions permit, fishing will also be allowed - and it is all free of charge.

A lack of tackle need not be a problem as the fishery has a selection of donated items which will be lent to the youngsters.

Any retired fly fishermen who have unwanted tackle can donate items, safe in the knowledge that they will be helping the next generation of fishermen.

For more information about these events, and of a charity match in aid of St Martin's Hospice at Boston Spa, contact Ken Hawkins on 0113 273 6290; Sid Knowlson on 01904 632941; Iain Worsley on 01937 834372 or Maran Lakes on 01904 738383.

Updated: 11:59 Friday, February 09, 2001