THE Skipton Angling Association’s Taster Day last Sunday on Whinnygill Reservoir attracted a good number of prospective junior anglers plus one or two adults as well.

Weather prospects seemed to indicate that the fishing would be carried out in strong winds and heavy showers but in the event it was wall to wall sunshine, a light NW wind and quite warm in the shelter afforded by the banking.

Perch were the most frequently caught fish with some to around the 340g (0:12:0) whilst the brown trout were larger and went to over 450g (1:0:0). Roach proved difficult to attract although some adult members fishing in the quarry corner found a few. The reservoir was about 1.5m (5 feet) below maximum level due to a suspected leak and this seemed to benefit both angler and fish equally.

At the end of the day all who participated agreed that the event had been a success, especially those who had won one of the several prizes available. A similar event is to be run on the reservoir in August.

Embsay Reservoir has responded well to the recent warm weather with reports of good catches of both brown and rainbow trout falling to the worm and fly.

Brownies have tended to be on the small side but the rainbows have been usually in the 450g to 900g (1 to 2 lb) range with the best so far being a fish of about 1520g (3:5:0).

The water level on the River Aire is getting quite low but the fishing has remained good throughout the Skipton length and upstream to Gargrave. Plenty of anglers have been in action but no real specimen has as yet come to the net. A few brownies up to around the 900g (2:0:0) mark have been landed together with quite a few decent out-of-season grayling which have tended to rise to the fly rather than take a worm.

Skipton Winter League competitors should note that the Annual General Meeting and Trophy Presentation will take place at the Skipton Working Men’s Club on Friday, May 8, commencing at 8pm. All past competitors are invited to attend and also participate in the selection of the dates and venues for this autumn’s series of matches.