MEMBERS of the Skipton Angling Association will be saddened to hear of the death of former treasurer, Peter Hart, after a relatively short illness, aged 76.

Peter had been a member of the Association since the early 1960s and became the treasurer in 1984, a position he held until 2014 when he took over the new position of membership secretary following a re-organisation.

At the annual general meeting in January of this year, he decided to retire from his new position and, in view of his long and dedicated service to the Association, he was granted life membership. The Association’s condolences go out to his widow Janet and their family.

The much-improved weather has certainly helped sport on all the local waters and some excellent fishing has been enjoyed by all who have wet a line.

Embsay Reservoir seems to have produced the biggest fish of the week, a rainbow of just over 2730g (6:0:0) that was safely returned to fight another day. One day-ticket angler had 17 fish in a session including the newly introduced tiger trout.

Whinnygill Reservoir is still fishing best for trout and some very good brownies have been coming to the net, including fish to around the 1590g (3:8:0) mark. Coarse fish have not been moving well but this may soon change as the water begins to warm up. A decent bream was landed by Simon Chenior but the fish was unfortunately sporting a large ulcer near one of its pelvic fins.

The River Aire has fallen to almost summer level and most of the trout being caught have tended to be on the small side, although some have been in the 450g to 900g (1 to 2lb) range.

Michael Ickringill landed 11 fish on the dry fly and lost at least the same number when he fished the river on Monday during a strong upstream wind. His best fish was 910g (2:0:0) and his smallest only 100 mm (4 inches) long.

Craven Summer League competitors will be fishing the second match of this season’s series this Sunday on the canal at the gas works length at Silsden. This will be last chance for new anglers to register and the draw will be held at 7am.