CONDITIONS appeared to be more or less ideal for the final Skipton Angling Association member’s match last Sunday. The match was fished on the River Aire downstream of Carleton Stone Bridge and following Saturday’s quite heavy rain, the river had fallen to slightly above normal and was still carrying a bit of colour.

Unfortunately, the fish failed to respond and catches were rather disappointing although some of the fish caught pointed the way to a brighter future. These were small chub and gudgeon although the majority of weights consisted of brown trout to around the 450g (1:0:0) mark.

One angler hooked what would have been a match-winning pike but his 1.4kg (3lb) line was no match for the willow roots that the fish dashed for in its first run. Several anglers also experienced catching signal crayfish when fishing on the bottom.

The results were: 1 Andrew Leatt 520g (1:2:8); 2 Kenny Wright 350g (0:12:4); 3 John Preston 180g (0:6:8) and 4 Mick Cockshott 110g (0:4:0).

Skipton members Malcolm Mawson and his cousin, Philip, fished the Snaygill length of the river for pike the day after the match and also found the fish using sprats for bait. Malcolm recorded a personal best when he hooked and landed a good fish measuring 89cm (35 inches) in length and weighing 6,510g (14:5:12). The pike was in good condition, putting in several powerful runs before being brought to the net.

Brown trout anglers now have less than two weeks to get that specimen fish before the season closes on Wednesday, September 30. Conditions have been quite favourable recently but the prospect of gales and heavy rain may rule out the last few days.

Skipton Winter League competitors will meet again this Sunday for the second match of the series which will be fished on the canal near the Bay Horse Inn on Keighley Road, Skipton. This will be the final match when new registrations can be accepted so either turn up on the day or contact league secretary, Bill Davenport on 01756 799671 or 07581082976 to make alternative arrangements. The draw will be made at 8am with fishing from 9am until noon.