AS the autumnal weather kicks in, anglers are beginning to fish waters where the shock of lower water temperatures is less severe.

One such water is the local stretch of the canal and some good sport has been enjoyed recently either side of the town centre.

In a four and half hour session, Ernie Ramsbotham, had an excellent catch of good-size bream, perch and roach plus plenty of small ruffe and gudgeon.

The total weight was estimated to be in the region of 2,730g (6:0:0). In another session close to the basin, Ernest landed 450g (1:0:0) skimmers one after the other together with a couple of signal crayfish. All were tempted by triple red maggot whilst bread and the worm were ignored.

The Skipton AA water down Broughton Road – but including the basin and Springs Canal – has also been fishing reasonably well with decent bags of most of the canal species.

The length back to Skipton from the Snaygill swing bridge looks a good stretch but has not attracted many anglers so far. The whole length is quite deep for the canal and may come into its own as the temperature gradually falls.

Another water at Skipton that is still fishing well is Whinnygill Reservoir where anglers have been getting amongst good bream and perch plus the occasional decent roach. The best fish caught lately has been a 1,360g (3:0:0) orfe which must be quite close to the record for the water.

River Aire anglers have been out in force and enjoying catching plenty of grayling from the Stone Bridge up to Inghey Bridge.

The dry fly seems to be the best way to catch them and most fish average up to about 450g (1:0:0) with the odd one exceeding this weight. Brown trout are still active together with the occasional small chub. Pike anglers have yet to commence fishing for them in any numbers.

Skipton Winter League competitors will be fishing the third match of the season this Sunday on the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick. The draw will be held at 8am and no further registrations are permissible.