FOLLOWING on from the recent capture of a fine 2,590g (5:11:0) common carp at Embsay Reservoir, another surprise catch last Saturday evening was that of two 125mm (5 inch) roach by a trout angler using a worm as bait.

As far as I am aware, these are the first roach to have been caught in the water and none have been introduced as part of a restocking exercise.

Some fry may have found their way into the reservoir in the days when water was pumped up from Whinnygill Reservoir but that was many years ago. It may be that these fish have reached maturity and are now reproducing themselves in a similar manner to the perch that now frequent the water.

Last Sunday’s Skipton AA members match on the reservoir did not turn up any of the silver fish and most catches consisted of the odd decent rainbow trout, a few brown trout and plenty of small perch. Conditions were reasonable with a slight breeze and a water level about 0.6m (2 feet) below normal.

The match winner was veteran angler Ernest Ramsbotham who had a mixed bag of fish for 2020g (4:7:0). Kenny Wright was close behind in second place with 1,690g (3:11:8) while Simon Chenior was third with 1,580g (3:7:12) and Mick Cockshott fourth with a single rainbow trout for 1,340g (2:15:8).

The leading competitors for the aggregate trophy in the Whinnygill Reservoir evening match series are all within striking distance of each other and will be decided on the luck of the draw.

One match remains to be fished and the leaders are: 1 Malcolm Mawson 3,110g (6:13:4); 2 Alan Wade 2,760g (6:1:0) and 3 Graeme Waterfall 2,580g (5:11:0).

Whinnygill will be the venue for this Sunday’s Taster Day organised by the Skipton Angling Association. The event is designed to give prospective new anglers the chance to hold a rod, probably catch a fish and decide if it’s the sport for them.

Juniors and adults will be catered for and tackle, bait and advice will be available between 10am and 4pm. The only condition is that juniors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.