JUST before and after the new brown trout season commenced on March 25, the Skipton Angling Association took the liberty to re-stock Embsay Reservoir with quantities of rainbow, blue and tiger trout, some of which weighed up to 3,640g (8:0:0).

Despite some cold days since opening day the restocking policy appears to have paid off with anglers reporting some excellent sport, especially when conditions have been favourable.

The worm and the fly have accounted for numerous catches of a dozen fish or more including at least one that would have set a new rainbow trout record for the water.

This was caught by a Skipton member not concerned with holding any record and after weighing the 3,610g (7:14:0) specimen it was returned to the reservoir.

Besides the big rainbow, at least one other of a similar weight was caught together with plenty of tiger trout up to 680g (1:8:0) and brownies to around the 910g (2:0:0) mark.

Fly anglers report that the black and fluorescent green gold head fly is doing particularly well on the reservoir and accounting for plenty of fish. Spinning is also proving to be quite successful.

The association’s other still water at Skipton, namely Whinnygill Reservoir, is also fishing well with both good brown trout and roach coming to the net.

There have been reports of a 2,270g (5:0:0) brownie recently which is only 114g (0:4:0) off the 1946 caught record fish for this water. Roach to around the 455g (1:0:0) mark were being landed in good numbers prior to the recent cold spell.

The reservoir is the venue for this Sunday’s Taster Day which is open to prospective new anglers of all ages.

Just turn up at the reservoir from 10am onwards and all tackle, bait and tuition will be provided free of charge and there are numerous prizes and goodie bags available for everyone.

Skipton Summer League competitors should note that the dates and venues for this year’s competition are as follows:- May 1 – Swine Lane; 15 – Gas Works Silsden; 29 – Long Ing; June 19 - Swine Lane; July 3 – Gas Works; 17 – Coal Bunkers, West Marton; 31– Bradley and August 7 – Coal Bunkers. The draw will be held at 7am with fishing from 8am until 11am. Registration is £5 with an entry fee of £8 per match.