Skipton Winter League competitors embarked on their eight match series last Sunday morning when the first match was fished on the canal at Swine Lane, Riddlesden. Conditions were very good and not a single boat passed through the length until about a minute from the end of the three hour match. 18 anglers registered for the series and the catch rate proved to be 100%

Jason Aldis took first spot with 1200g (2:10:0) which comprised of a good bream and numerous small roach and perch. Dave Fenn had an all small fish catch for 640g (1:6:12) and second place whilst three anglers, Kenny Wright; Richard Thornton and Mark Smith, tied for third place with 540g (1:3:0). Danny Bolland brought up sixth place with 500g (1:1:12).

Smallish jack pike proved to be a nuisance throughout the match length, taking several fish off the hook when being landed or attacking fish already in the keepnet. Surprisingly, none of the pike allowed themselves to be captured and get into a keepnet.

The next match will be fished on the Skipton Angling Association’s length of the canal at Broughton Road, Skipton, on Sunday, October the 2nd. This will be the last time that new anglers can register to fish in the league for the remaining matches.

The River Aire continues to maintain a good flow following the thundery weather and more anglers are returning to the water where sport is quite good. Recent catches have generally consisted of decent brown trout and plenty of grayling to over the 450g (1:0:0) mark. Fly anglers have enjoyed the best sport using the nymph.

Bream up to 1360g (3:0:0) and perch to 910g (2:0:0) are turning up in catches at Whinnygill Reservoir which is fishing very well at the moment. Some big trout are also moving but proving difficult to land.

All the four species of trout in Embsay Reservoir are coming to the net, including one or two decent sized fish. Perch are feeding well and catches of numerous but rather small fish have been recorded.

There have been recent incidents at the reservoir of small perch being killed and left on the bank together with piles of litter. Members witnessing anyone responsible for this should phone the bailiff immediately on the number shown in the membership book.