Angling Lines

BRADFORD CITY AA Many anglers were out on the club’s lakes and rivers over Easter and some good sessions were reported.

We added two new mixed fisheries to our portfolio. Both are on the River Swale and have produced big barbel, chub and pike in recent years, as well as some trout. The first length at Topcliffe was a syndicate for the last two years and was previously fished by the Barbel Society. The other length is at Salmon Hall, just upstream of Topcliffe weir.

On Saturday, May 10, we are holding our annual open day on the River Aire at Gargrave. Anyone can attend to try fly-fishing and meet members. Professional guides will demonstrate fishing techniques such as tenkara, do kick-samples and provide casting and river craft instruction. However, please note that numbers are limited, and interested anglers should book beforehand. Contact Jim Munden or the fly secretary for further information.

On Sunday, May 11, we will be at the Burnsall Game Fair from 10am. New members can find about the club and we look forward to meeting existing members as well. Also on this date is the next BCAA open match on the large lake at Staveley. Spaces are still available. Bookings and more details from Rod Brooksbank on 0787-5275749 or Steve Fox on 0770-8260004.

WASHBURN VALLEY FISHERY Catch details for week ending April 20 – Day ticket: Fewston 56, Swinsty 5, Thruscross (catch & return) 3. Total fish caught: Fewston 401, Thruscross 11.

Average per rod: Fewston 7.2, Swinsty 1.8, Thruscross 3.7. The heaviest fish caught was a 4lb 4oz brown trout by Simon Feather using GRHE.

Fewston: Trout still feeding near the banks early morning, taking nymph and buzzer, and rising early evening, feeding on emerging nymph.

Swinsty: Trout responding to coloured spinners following into shallow water.

Thruscross: Wild browns up to 2½lb caught on Black Gnat and Damsel Nymph this week as fish respond to the abundant food source.

LISTERHILLS AA An overnight ground frost followed by a strong, cool wind reduced catches in the open match at Rodley, with only small perch and ruffe responding. The winner was E Harrison 1lb 2oz, 2 G Kitchen 1lb 1½oz. The next open is on Saturday, May 10. The next members match at Pilley’s is on Sunday, May 4. Day tickets are available for the canal at £2 and £3 for Pilley’s and must be obtained beforehand. Available from Tackle 2U, Eccleshill Angling, KL, Pudsey Angling Centre and Angling and Country Sports.

BIERLEY AC Chairman John Glenton has died unexpectedly. A tireless worker for the club, he will be sadly missed. A benefit match was held on Easter Monday in his memory and was extremely well attended. Both middle and top ponds were used in a contest fished in superb conditions: 1 T Parkin 7lb 9oz, 2 D Glenton, 6lb 6oz, 3 T Mahon 5lb 9oz. The match will be fished annually and the inscribed trophy will be held by John’s widow Louise Glenton. A few books are still available.

BRADFORD NO 1 AA Raskelf Lake will be closed on Sunday for the first of this years members’ matches, which draws at the Golden Lion in Helperby at 9am. Members with old keepnets which they are willing to donate for a barley straw project at Ripon are asked to contact Simon on 01274-571175. Carp and bream are now beginning to show at Knotford and Kirklees Lagoons. Queen Mary’s ponds at Ripon are fishing well for tench on caster or sweetcorn.

FIELD AC All members of both Field AC and Bradford Pals AC pass on their condolences to Geoff Darke, who sadly lost his wife recently. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

CLAYTON AC Draw is at 8.45am for Sunday’s match at Kippax. Two nets are required – one silvers, one carp. Fishery feed pellets must be used, no floating baits and no bread at this venue. All nets must be aired on bank for 15 minutes before entering water. Fishing will be 10am-4pm.

CENTRAL AC Our next match is at Far View on Sunday, April 27. Meet at venue 8am. Fishing 9am to 3pm. No floating baits are allowed.

BINGLEY AC The next match is Sunday, April 27 on the canal. Draw is 9am at Morton Lane swing bridge. To book on, contact Tony on 07971-428678. The canal is fishing well, with good nets of small roach and skimmers.