FISHING activity was badly hit by the bad weather over the new year.

The Bristol Avon was badly affected and was over its bank at Chippenham, causing the New Year Day’s Open match to be cancelled.

With more bad weather predicted, fishing on the river could be severely restricted and some dry weather is urgently needed.

Fortunately, anglers have plenty of fishing available on the Kennet & Avon Canal, so some matches will be switched to these venues.

The Wednesday match at Landsend Fishery took place in strong winds and heavy rain but still produced excellent catches.

Paul Elmes emerged triumphant with a carp and silvers catch of 91 lb 15 oz. Martin Rayet was runner-up spot with another carp and silvers of 90 lb 2 oz, with Craig Edmunds third thanks to a carp and silvers catch of 88 lb 0 oz.

The silvers prize went to Neil Mercer with a skimmers catch of 19 lb 0 oz.

Other placings: 4 S Spencer 70 lb 2 oz; 5 J Clarke 62 lb 5 oz; 6 Neil Mercer 57 lb 4 oz.

The Airsprung New Year’s Day Open on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bradford produced fairly even catches.

Steve Saunders won top prize with a roach, skimmers and eels catch of 7 lb 14 oz. Richard Tomala was runner-up with a roach and skimmers catch of 7 lb 9 oz and Andrew Cranston came third with a roach and skimmers catch of 6 lb 7 oz.

Other placings: 4 Richard Whitmarsh 4 lb 15 oz; 5 Andy Chatterley 3 lb 11 oz; 6 Martin Barrett 3 lb 3 oz.