THE recent change in the weather pattern has finally got rid of the easterly winds and low temperatures which have been replaced by wetter conditions and warmer south westerly winds.

The River Aire has been a benefactor as the rain brought some extra water and gave the sport a welcome boost.

Most lengths have produced brown trout to well over the 450g (1:0:0) mark on the worm whilst the water was coloured. Bradford City fly fishermen have also enjoyed some decent sport above Inghey Bridge on a falling river.

Prospects for the river appear to be good with more rain likely to maintain a good flow and the minnow population now well distributed throughout.

The minnow can be a deadly bait for trout when fished live or spun on suitable mounting tackle. Very few anglers now use minnows and it is now an offence to take them from the river to use elsewhere, a practice that was once very common in the Skipton area and resulted in large populations in still waters such as Embsay reservoir.

The lower water level at Whinnygill and higher temperatures have combined to produce some excellent fishing with both trout and coarse fish.

One angler recently landed 23 brown trout on the maggot, caster and worm whilst another caught trout after trout plus a specimen roach that took the scales down to 910g (2:0:0). Other anglers have reported good catches of perch and smaller roach and there is the prospect of the bream, ide and carp showing up.

The reservoir is basically reserved for members of the Skipton Angling Association due to a lock system in use on the gate. Day tickets are available to non members but they must be accompanied by a member to be able to access the water.

The second match in the new Craven Summer League will be fished this Sunday on the Silengtnight length of the canal at Barnoldswick. The draw will be held at 7am and this will be last match where new entrants may register.

Tomorrow evening, the Skipton Winter League will hold its annual meeting and trophy presentation at the Skipton WMC at 8pm. All past, present and future competitors are welcome and other business will include selecting the dates and venues for the forthcoming autumn matches.