SKIPTON AA

MORE heavy rain at the beginning of last week managed to bring the River Aire to the top of its banking, with some minor flooding of the adjacent fields. However, by the weekend the river had fallen to a level suitable for angling, although there were few wishing to try their luck anywhere between Keighley and the top side of Skipton.

One angler who did wet a line on the Bradford No 1 stretch adjacent to Heslaker Lane at Carleton-in-Craven did manage to catch a few small brown trout on the worm in a couple of hours' fishing. No grayling turned up, and they are a fish that can feed well in the coldest of conditions.

Few anglers have been fishing in Whinnygill Reservoir of late, mainly due to unsatisfactory conditions. The reservoir is full to the brim, and the colder weather appears to have taken its toll on the coarse fish population, with none being landed recently.

Our events secretary Malcolm Mawson has spent ten hours fishing on the reservoir without catching anything in February but that changed last Sunday when he landed three good brown trout on a maggot and worm bait. The best fish was a splendid 55cm-long fish weighing 2050g with a girth of 31cm. The trout put up a terrific fight, lasting a good ten minutes and finally came to the net in a heavy snow shower.

The other two trout weighed in at 940g and 910g and also took the same bait combination, which was fished on the bottom, but not too far out. With the fish being out of season, Malcolm will have to wait until the end of March to try to get the big one again for entering in the best trout competition.

Canal anglers have also had blank days, and the recent cold snap is probably responsible as the weather has been on the mild side all through December and January. Sport may improve this weekend for still-water fishing, with the forecast of more wet and windy weather. River anglers may find too much water could be a problem once again.

SALTAIRE AA

Both the canal and river fished well for last Sunday's open matches, despite temperatures never getting above freezing.There were a lot of double-figure nets from the river. Result: 1 Steve Hargreaves 17lb 2oz, 2 Carl Chadwick 14lb 14oz, 3 Eric Wright 12lb 8oz, 4 Daniel Wright 11lb 2oz. There will be another match this Sunday, contact Barrie Murgatroyd on 07902-493139 to book on. Canal open result (match well attended, despite the cold): 1 Steve Crossley (Maver North West) 5lb 5oz (165 fish), 2 John Meredith (Tricast Rochdale) 3lb 14oz, 3 Alan Price (Tricast Rochdale) 3lb 9oz, 4 Nigel Storr (Matrix Halifax) 3lb 8oz. The next canal open will be on Sunday, February 28, contact Richard East (07815- 092966) to book on.

LEEDS ASA

Owing to the boggy land and the difficulty with vehicular access, the restocking of 1,000 chub (weighing from 4oz to 6oz), a joint effort with the Environment Agency, went into our water at Aldwark Bridge. Result of last Saturday’s match on the Ouse: 1 N Thewliss 32lb 11oz (catch of perch), 2 M Smith 7lb 19oz, 3 D Armitage 6lb 10oz. Result of Sunday's match: 1 K Weighill 25lb 10oz, 2 C Turbitt 15lb 6oz, 3 A Lukas 4lb. Quite a few good-sized pike have been caught from our river fisheries. Good grayling have been caught from sections of the Wharfe but coarse fish have been few and far between.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Our general meeting was, as usual, well attended. The summer trips have been booked, and Dave will put your names down when you book. Trips are filling up fast, so don't delay, book today! Our next meeting is the annual presentation meeting on Tuesday, March 15 at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm), and there are lots of trophies to give away, and a buffet to follow. Please try to attend this popular event. Meanwhile, plenty of cod are still being caught inshore at Whitby.

BINGLEY AC

There will be another fencing work party at Coppice Pond on Sunday, February 28. Contact Charlie (07954-781992) for details or just turn up on the day, all volunteers welcome. The club would like to hear of any fish catches on any of our rivers. You can do this on the website or the club's official Facebook page.