Angling Lines

Despite doom-laden forecasts of storms and torrential rain over the weekend, there were only one or two sharp showers. As a result, Dales rivers remain low and clear, so that fishing continues to be challenging. Nevertheless, grayling and out-of-season trout are responding well to dry pale watery and midge imitations, as well as to flies fished deeper in the water.

This week marks 30 years to the day that BCAA bought Staveley Lakes, and they have proved an excellent investment for club members ever since. Last weekend, Joe Scales had a 16lb mirror from the lakes, and Dave Pearson reported catching a pike, in mint condition, estimated at about 18lb.

At Oakworth Ponds, bailiff Paul Callaghan reports that the large lake has continued to be regularly fished by BCAA members. Good catches of carp, with some gudgeon and perch on maggot, have been had. However, cooler weather in the last few days has seen the fishing slow up.

BCAA still offers part-year membership to new members for the rest of 2015 at only £33, including the joining fee of £15.

Anglers can fish the club’s many waters until December 31. Adult subscriptions in 2016 are £38 (£24 for concessions, £5 for juniors), plus a joining fee of £15 for new members. Members will be alerted when the 2016 yearbook goes on sale. Full details about the club and membership can be seen on the website at www.bradfordcityaa.co.uk or by calling Jim Munden on 07940-814431.

A trial match at Shipton Lake last weekend was won by Rob Minnikin with 66lb 4oz (mainly bream). James Wood and Will Hodson were second and third respectively. A further match may take place at Shipton on Saturday, November 14. Entry is £15, with £10 going to the prize fund. Phone James Wood on 07515-886020 for updated information and to enter. BCAA members note that the lake will be closed to other anglers on that date.

The next event in the club’s match programme is an open match at Staveley Lakes on Saturday, November 7. To book on, or for more information, contact Rod Brooksbank on 07875-275749. Fly anglers should also note that BCAA are holding their annual grayling competition for the Arthur Scaife Trophy on Sunday, November 15 on the River Aire at Broughton. This is open to both BCAA members and non-members, with a small charge to be donated to the Grayling Society. See page 45 of the yearbook for details and to enter.

SKIPTON AA

Forecasts of heavy rain have been a long way off the mark, and river water levels have remained low for the time of year. The spells of strong winds have certainly brought quite a lot of leaves into the water but, due to the relatively mild weather, there are plenty more still to fall. Grayling have been providing some of the best sport on the River Aire, with the upper reaches fishing well on the fly. Fish to well over 450g have been landed in some good bags of fish. Smallish brown trout are also turning up in catches, having been tempted by the worm. The length of canal behind the hospital at Skipton will be the venue for Sunday’s Skipton Winter League match. With the prospect of the reasonably mild weather continuing, competitors should expect to get among plenty of roach that have been turning up in catches recently having readily taken punched bread or squats. Most fish are averaging about 100g (0:3:12) and should form the basis for a decent weight. WASHBURN VALLEY FISHERY

Catch details for week ending October 25 – Day ticket: Fewston 13; total fish caught: Fewston 60; average per rod: Fewston 4.6. Heaviest fish caught was a 5lb 8oz rainbow trout by S Manton using daddy long legs. Fewston: Rainbow and blue trout feeding hard as waters now feel much cooler. Recent hatches of sedge and many daddy long legs blow over the water. Coarse fish now in deeper water, with perch showing on the surface. Thruscross: Closed brown-trout season. Catch details for month ending October 25 – Day ticket: Fewston 79, Swinsty 21; total fish caught: Fewston 400 fish, Swinsty 49lb; average per rod: Fewston 5.1, Swinsty 24lb. Heaviest fish caught was a 10lb rainbow trout by John Peck using Tim's special. Fewston: Trout feeding hard as cooler weather approaches, taking nymph and dry fly in the afternoon sun. Swinsty: Coarse fish now settled in deeper water, coming to the surface through the day.

BRADFORD No 1 AA

Tickets are still available from Simon on 01274-571175 for the open match on the River Swale on Sunday, November 8. The match will draw at the Golden Lion in Helperby, which will open for sausage and bacon sandwiches from 8am. Shelf Dam is producing good nets of roach, ide and skimmers on maggot. Anglers fishing the River Nidd at Cowthorpe are reporting good catches of barbel and chub on meat.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Will members please note that our next meeting will be the annual meeting on Tuesday, November 17 at the New Inn (8pm). Any changes to rules, or anything that you want to bring up, please let Brian know in good time. We have a trip to Grimsby on Saturday, November 28. If anyone would like to go, please get in touch with Dave on 07711-987833 to book your place.

GREAT HORTON AC

Result of Sunday's match on Horseshoe Lake, Poppleton: 1 M McDonald 25lb 8oz, 2 M Lyons 23lb 11oz, 3 A Hillary 13lb 2oz, 4 T Whaling 11lb 4oz. The Christmas Cheer match is at the same venue on Sunday, November 15. If you cannot attend, please notify Dez. The presentation is on Saturday, November 21 at Great Horton Park Chapel Cricket Club (4pm).

HEWENDEN AC

Result of last Sunday's pike match (ten fished): 1 Grahame Moore 16lb 12oz, (four fish), 2 J Hurle 9lb 10oz (one fish), 3 P Whitehouse 4lb 7oz (one fish). The match was off to a flying start, with two pike being caught within the first ten minutes but Grahame maintained a steady catch rate to take first place.