THE recent prolonged spell of good weather has certainly improved the fishing on most waters although the River Aire is beginning to suffer from a low flow rate and an abundant growth of weed in all but the deepest of pools.

Whinnygill Reservoir is the jewel in the crown of the Skipton Angling Association’s four main waters and members are reporting some excellent catches of roach, perch, rudd, golden rudd and tench. John D Nicholls enjoyed an estimated 14kg bag of these fish while another member landed about 40 tench in one sitting.

Specimen trout are also being caught along with bream although it is requested to avoid the bream if at all possible as they are still engaged in spawning activities.

Carp and orfe are often visible on the surface but are proving difficult to attract at the moment.

The recent Skipton Summer League match was fished on the reservoir and the competitors unfortunately experienced a blip in the sport.

Whinnygill expert Kenny Wright topped the field with 1,590g, Andy Wharton was second with 720g and Jason Aldis was third with 620g.

Leading positions in the league are Danny Bolland, Keith Brown and Richard Thornton all on 34 points with the next two being Geoff Hartley and Ernie Ramsbotham on 31 points each.

Skipton members will be hoping that the present spell of inclement weather has not put the Whinnygill fish off the feed when they compete in the first of four matches in the Peter Hart Memorial Trophy series this Sunday.

The draw will be held at 8am with fishing from 9am until noon. The entry fee is £7 and the match is for Skipton AA members only.

Elsewhere the canal is showing signs of an improvement both in the basin and on the Broughton Road length.

Graham Waterfall had a good five species bag of fish from near the Coach Street bridge which included numerous gudgeon whilst the western length has been producing decent roach, perch and skimmers.

The low water on the Aire has taken its toll on sport with fly fishermen having been pestered by out-of-season grayling.

Bailiff Dave Martin has had a few good trout on the black gnat while a small nymph produced a signal crayfish.

Prospects remain good on the still waters but the river could benefit from some extra water to improve the fishing.