ANOTHER obstacle to the free passage of fish up and down the River Aire, the long redundant weir just downstream of the often damaged road bridge over the river on the A65 near Coniston Cold, has recently been removed in its entirety by staff from the Environment Agency and the Aire Rivers Trust.

Its removal has resulted in a stretch of the river upstream of the weir becoming rather shallow although it will no doubt be reworked with the passage of time and one or two spells of heavy water.

Almost immediately after work was completed a shoal of minnows were seen ascending the river at the site of the weir, something that would have been impossible for small fish with the weir in situ.

The Skipton Angling Association’s second taster day of the year on Whinnygill Reservoir last Sunday unfortunately clashed with England's World Cup victory over Panama and attendance was down on previous events.

Even so, the weather was excellent and plenty of fish were landed during the six hours available for fishing.

Sport was reasonable during the last Tuesday evening match at Whinnygill with Mark Bradley enjoying an easy win with a good ide weighing 1260g, just 40g off the record for the water.

Other leading weights were: 2 Malcolm Mawson 710g; 3 John Leatt 480g and 4 Russell Heaton 290g.

River Aire fishing is being affected by the continuing dry spell and the exceptionally warm weather with only the odd fly fisherman in action at the moment.

Fish are being caught but tend to be on the small side and there is unlikely to be any improvement until there has been some serious rainfall.

Skipton Summer League competitors fishing the match this Sunday should note that there has been a change of venue due to the continuing bank work at the gas works at Silsden.

The new venue is on the canal behind Skipton Hospital where anglers have certainly been getting among some big bream in the last month or so.

The times for the draw and the duration of the match remain unchanged.