THE north-south divide has been active again over the last week as far as river fishing on the Avon is concerned.

Anglers in the upper reaches around Salisbury have been struggling with low and clear water whereas fishermen from Downton to Ringwood have had the benefit of a bit of colour in the water and, as a result, fish have been caught.

Barbel to 11lb have been banked from the Lifelands fishery and anglers using a stick float and trotting have landed good bags of quality dace from stretches between Fordingbridge and Ringwood.

But, visitors to the London AA fishery at Britford have been able to see barbel and roach but not catch them. Some have landed a few dace and grayling and the occasional chub, but in addition to the low and crystal clear water, anglers have also had to contend with huge shoals of hungry minnows.

Lake anglers have fared better with most fisheries reporting good sport. At Witherington Farm Fishery, Barnmoor Lake is producing plenty of carp with several into the 20lb-plus range. The fishery's Sellwood Lake, which has been rested for a while, is now open again and is fishing well.

Hucklesbrook Lake, near Fordingbridge, is fishing well for tench and carp with the heaviest carp coming out at 29lb and tench up to 7lb.

With rain forecast, there is a chance conditions will improve as some colour should go into the water as well as an increase in depth.