Angling lines

Although the weather over the past week has been sunny, it has stayed cool – even though the forecasters had promised us warmer temperatures.

Water levels have stayed quite low, though a bit of rain further up the Dales has freshened the rivers a bit.

We have acquired some new fishing this week on the River Wharfe at Hubberholme, just upstream from its length at Buckden, for a one-year trial period and will be asking members for feedback to inform a decision about whether to lease the water in future years. It is ideal for tenkara-style fly-fishing. Full details of the water, and rules applying, can be seen on the club website.

The first fish from the length – a nine-inch brown trout – was caught on Tuesday and we hope anglers will see many more during 2015.

Carp up to 20lb have been reported from Staveley and Shipton lakes over the past week, together with a 6lb tench. Stocking of fish over the winter at the lakes has also proven successful with anglers, with some good bags being reported.

The club are still accepting new members and offer unlimited 2015 access to a whole range of fly and coarse-fishing venues at a cost of just £51 for an adult (concessions £36) and just £5 for anyone aged 17 and under. Anglers can join BCAA through the club's online shop or at local tackle shops. They can also join or find out details of BCAA's fishing by contacting membership secretary Jim Munden on j.munden@ntlworld.com or 07940-814431. Anglers may be interested in looking out for our Bradford City AA, Staveley Lakes and Shipton Lake Facebook pages for latest news and updates about the club.

Result of Gertrude Sykes Cup match on Saturday at Staveley Lakes in blustery and cold conditions: 1 Alan Sugden (Bradford) with a net of silverfish, 2 Tony Wass (Bradford), 3 E Coleman (Wetherby). The next match is the Local Challenge at Staveley Lakes on Saturday, May 23. Spaces are available, with further details from Rod Brooksbank on 07875-275749.

KEIGHLEY AC

Anglers continue to observe the close-season ban of some popular baits on local rivers, although many have found perch and skimmers eager to seize maggot, which can still be used to tempt fish on alternative still-water sites.

Spinners are currently offering the best results on the river, although a lonely fly angler was seen offering Czech nymphs on one of Keighley's eastern shallow stretches of the River Aire, as well as buzzers in nearby deeper waters.

Members who were tempted to the water's edge by sunny weather reported mixed fortunes as temperatures rose and fell. The warm spell brought inquisitive fish closer to the canal surface, making them more responsive.

One Keighley member brought more than a dozen fish to the canal bank in a two-hour morning session at Silsden. Using simple pole tactics, he landed perch, roach and skimmer bream up to 1lb 2oz.

The club have issued their annual reminder that Environment Agency fishing licences need to be renewed. Club secretary Dennis Freeman said: "Agency enforcement officers prosecuted 23 people across Yorkshire in a single month last year. The average fines imposed were around ten times the cost of a licence, so it pays to make sure your details are up to date."

BRADFORD No 1 AA

The road at Thornton Bridge should now be open to vehicles – allowing easier access to Raskelf Lake, which is still fishing very well for all species. The first members' match of the year is at Raskelf on Sunday, April 26 and is a sell-out, drawing lakeside at 9am. With the warmer weather, all club waters are now beginning to produce good catches. Regular reports of carp over 20lb are being received from anglers at Knotford and Kirklees, including a large number of the fish stocked into Knotford over the past five years. Gravel Pits and Elland on the River Calder are worth a visit for trout on fly or worm. Club membership and merchandise are both still available from the club website. Once again members are reminded that all gates must be closed and failure to do so could see membership terminated.

SKIPTON AA

The Craven Summer League – a new league for match-fishing anglers – starts on Sunday at the Swine Lane length of the canal at Riddlesden. Other match dates: May 10, Silentnight, Barnoldswick; May 31, Swine Lane; June 7, Church Pool, East Marton; June 28, Long Ing, Barnoldswick; July 19, Church Pool; July 26, Silentnight; August 23, Long Ing. The league is being run basically on the same lines as the Skipton Winter League, with the placings being determined by the best six positions out of the eight matches. Registration (£5) may only take place at either of the first two matches and match fees will be £8 per match. The draw takes place at 7am, with fishing from 8-11am. Full particulars may be obtained from Bill Davenport on 01756-799671 or 07581-082576.

LISTERHILLS AA

The first match in the series of Saturday Canal Open matches is tomorrow at Rodley, drawing 9am by the bridge. These matches can be fished on an individual basis or for the series, with the winner receiving a trophy and small cash prize. All anglers fishing Pilley's must hold a 2015 membership book. No excuse will be accepted and those who are night fishing must first obtain a night-fishing permit, which must be produced. Anyone failing to do so may be prosecuted. No non-members should be taken onto this fishery. Any match angler interested in fishing in the National Championship on the River Trent on Saturday, September 12 should contact 07984-597328.

WASHBURN VALLEY

The heaviest fish caught during the week was a 7lb 2oz rainbow trout by Mark Dearden using woolly bugger. Fewston: Rainbow and blue trout are taking nymph and lure mid-water as things warm up and fly begin to emerge. Swinsty: Mainly perch, with the odd bream caught deep and well out. Thruscross: Brown trout feeding in shaded areas as the sun drops. Catch details (week ending April 12) – Day ticket: Fewston 36, Swinsty 1, Thruscross (catch & return) 2; total fish caught: Fewston 273, Swinsty 30+, Thruscross 9; average per rod: Fewston 7.5, Swinsty 0, Thruscross 4.5.

CLAYTON AC

Result of Sunday's match at Moorfields (22 anglers fished): 1 Peter Foulds 54lb 4oz, 2 Ray Atkinson 52lb, 3 Graham Hall 51lb 12oz. Section winners: Colin Mortimer, Derek Milner, Steve Elphee, Bryan Ashton. The next match is on Sunday, May 3 at Raker Lakes. Any member not fishing must notify Jason seven days prior to match or they will be liable for peg fees.

CENTRAL AC

Result of Sunday's match at Forest Lane Furlong Lake: 1 R Wharfe 9lb 1oz, 2 S Worley 6lb 9oz, 3 J Mountain 4lb, 4 P Main 2lb 14oz. Our next match is at Birkin on Sunday, April 26. Meet at venue 8am for fishing 9am-3pm.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Our next general meeting is on Tuesday at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm). If you would like to become a member, at what we feel is a bargain £10, just come to the meeting and you will be made most welcome.

HEWENDEN AC

Result of Sunday's coarse match, fished by six members in terrible conditions: 1 Nigel Bower 1lb 10oz (peg eight), 2 S Newnes 13.5oz (peg 19), 3 B Hall 12oz (peg ten).

BINGLEY AC

Our next open match will be on Sunday, April 26 at Eldwick Compensation Reservoir, drawing at 9am. Call Tony on 07971-428678 to book a peg.