UNFORTUNATELY the weather did not quite turn out as forecast last week with heavy rain adding to the melting snow and creating high water levels on the River Aire.

This interfered with prospects for the final few days of the river coarse fishing season which draws to a close tomorrow.

Just one or two anglers could be seen in action on the Aire where pike seemed to be the quarry. The length behind the cemetery has become popular recently and a few smallish fish have been tempted by both the artificial lure and the sprat. The best fish recorded probably weighed in the order of 2.7kg.

Prior to the big freeze, pike anglers fishing lower down the river at Snaygill had met with some success and a couple of quite large fish were landed that tipped the scales at around the 8kg mark, only about 2kg below the Skipton AA record fish.

Prospects for the final couple of days of the season have been dealt a blow with a bank top spate on the Aire and a forecast of more rain before the temperature is likely to dip towards freezing point again over the weekend.

Trout anglers in Lancashire will be in action from today but at the moment it looks like the weather could be against them.

Yorkshire trout anglers will have to wait a little longer before wetting a line as the traditional river season does not commence until March 25. Still water trout fishing can vary from club to club so it is best to check the club rules for season opening dates.

Make sure that your rod licence is in force before commencing fishing as some big fines can be levied for unlicensed fishing. Renewing via the gov.uk website is an easy affair and if you have a few days left on your current licence, they will be added to your new one.

The Skipton Angling Association will be holding its annual pre-trout season clean up of its fishing on the Aire this Sunday morning. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the by-pass overbridge on Carleton Road for a 9.30am start. All materials will be provided and suitable clothing and footwear is essential.