Spotlight on hot perch stretches, plus day-ticket waters in your area

FIVE VENUES TO PUT YOU ON TRACK FOR BIG STRIPEYS

PERCH are at their biggest, so go and catch them now! For those who can’t get out before the rivers close, we’ve included some great stillwaters on this list...

LLOYDS MEADOW FISHERY, CHESTER

This venue has produced perch to over 5lb in the past. There is a large head of back-up 2lb and 3lb fish, with a four-pounder a possibility. Most of the perch are in Heron and Kingfisher Lakes, where a free running leger rig with either a prawn or lobworm hookbait will bring bites. For the lure fanatics, drop shotting has scored on Kingfisher. Contact: 01928 740710 Postcode: CH3 8BD

RISING SUN FISHERIES, YORK, N YORKS

The rich spring-fed waters of this venue have produced perch to a 5lb 6oz lake record. Lakes 1 and 3 boasta large head of perch in the 2lb-3lb bracket, with 4lb-plus fish possible too. Prawn and lobworm will score well on float or leger gear. Drop shot tactics are popular here. Contact: 01347 838134 or 07971 877280 Postcode: YO61 1TY

RIVER ANCHOLME, BRIGG, YORKSHIRE

The perch fishing has been described as ‘brilliant’ by Mick Smith, of Harrison’s Hideaway Fishing Tackle & Bait. The river is up to 20ft deep even in the near margins, perfect for drop shotting or vertical jigging. Match tactics with chopped worm and maggots will bring plenty of bites. Fish nearing 5lb have been landed in the past. Contact: Mick Smith, 07717 536162 Postcode: DN20 8PD

RIVER OUSE, YORKSHIRE

In winter the Leeds & District ASA run stretch at Linton-on-Ouse is noted for perch. They shoal up in the middle pegs, where simple

match style tactics with chopped worm or maggot will produce fish to 2lb. Bigger fish may well be here, and although they are rarely targeted, it might be worth a try with specimen tactics such as legered lobworms or lures. Contact: York Tackle, 01904 411210 Price: Full membership adult £57, OAP £29