DESPITE the River Aire falling back down to summer level there has been an influx of anglers trying their luck in recent days and many have met with some encouraging sport.

Dave Fenn of Skipton has been concentrating on the river downstream of Carleton Stone Bridge and his best catch comprised of 18 chub ranging in size from 50g up to around 450g, eight gudgeon, three trout and five signal crayfish.

On another occasion, he landed two trout up to 1,600g, five grayling to around the 900g mark and seven small chub all in the space of 1.5 hours.

Other anglers have caught smallish chub from both upstream and downstream of the bridge while Skipton bailiff, Dave Martin, was fortunate to land two very good brownies on a sedge in one session.

Both weighed over 1,820g and were in good condition.

The capture of the chub appears to confirm that this species is making a comeback in the Aire from Skipton down to Kildwick and beyond.

Besides the smaller fish, quite a few around 900g to 1,350g have been caught including a 2,500g specimen from the Snaygill length.

Gudgeon are also appearing more and more but like the chub, they still have to gain some size.

On the downside, the number of signal crayfish in the Aire is increasing and are now being sighted as far upstream as Inghey Bridge although none have been reported so far in the feeder streams.

Signal crayfish have been numerous in the Wharfe for many years but now the river is fighting back with the help of goosanders who have found a ready supply of food in crayfish of all sizes.

Apparently, the edges of the river are strewn with crayfish carcases and their demise is welcome.

Whinnygill Reservoir at Skipton has responded to the warmer weather and good catches of most of the species found in the reservoir have been taken.

Roach to around 450g have been particularly encouraging and the crucian carp are now being caught more frequently.

Much larger common carp have been seen swimming around in shoals of up to eight fish but have not shown interest in any bait.