THE recent spell of relatively calm, dry and mild weather is definitely a thing of the past judging by what is being thrown at us at the moment.

Strong winds and heavy rain appear to be the norm although the temperature is still above average for the time of year.

River levels have been running above normal for over a week and the Aire was near bank top again all last weekend.

Things went even further downhill on Monday with flooding of the fields and a forecast of even more to follow before a change to dryer but colder weather for this weekend.

It was not surprising to find no one fishing last weekend on the river, canal or reservoirs and this is likely to remain so for some time to come.

Once river levels start to settle down the water will be in decent trim for angling with all of the leaves having been washed away.

River Aire anglers should try their luck with the grayling and there is always a chance of the odd chub or two now that this species is making a comeback.

Pike are also in this category with fish to over the 6,360g (14:0:0) mark having already been caught this autumn along with some smaller fish on the top end of the Skipton stretch at Carleton-in-Craven.

Canal anglers will have to put up with the presence of leaves on the canal bed for some time before they finally rot away.

Competitors in the penultimate Skipton Winter League match this Sunday on the Long Ing stretch of the canal at Barnoldswick will not be unduly worried about the leaves on this usually productive length although the change to cooler weather may be more of a problem.

In the individual competition, Darren Wright will be hoping to at least take his four-point lead over Dave Fenn into the final match.

Fenn and his father, Bob, enjoy a seven-point lead over Heaton & Aldis and eight points over Wright & Thomas in the pairs competition. The pairs knockout final will be settled this Sunday when Heaton & Aldis take on Thornton & Eason.