Angling Lines

No doubt a good many fish would have been lost into the fields, where they remain until lower water levels and fish-eating birds take their toll. Small fish like sticklebacks and minnows disappear in their thousands and can end up many fields away from the river. I have seen them in animal drinking wells along the course of an underground stream, and once rescued over 50 fish from nothing more than a puddle alongside Heslaker Lane, days after the river had returned to its normal course.

One fish that seems to fall victim to flood disorientation is the pike, probably because it likes nothing better than to lie in a quiet backwater waiting for the chance to undertake a short, sharp burst of speed to catch an unwary fish. If it has to rise with the flood water due to its lair changing its characteristics with the extra water, it appears that it can easily drift over the bank edge and into adjacent fields.

Chub are another species that can be in trouble with flood water, although the only fish that I have come across in floods was one with deformed back and another that probably should have weighed about 1800g (4:0:0) but was in a very thin condition. Both were returned to the river unaware of their lucky escape. Trout and grayling that spend most of their life in currents seem to be able to cope but for their fry it may be a different story.

John W Preston

BRADFORD CITY AA Over the last week we’ve seen torrents rain and a lot of wind – conditions hardly conducive to fishing. As a result, few, if any, anglers have been out, even on the still waters, and no reports have been received. Club yearbooks for 2016 have now arrived from the printers and are available from the usual agents, although our agent in Skipton no longer offers yearbooks. Anglers can also renew membership or join the club through the BCAA online shop via a link on the club website at www.bradfordcityaa.co.u . Alternatively, they may renew by using the form in the back of the 2015 yearbook. Queries and further details about membership can be had from Jim Munden on 07940-814431. The two matches on the calendar for last weekend – at Shipton Lake and the annual grayling competition for the Arthur Scaife Trophy – were both cancelled due to weather and water conditions. The next match is tomorrow on the River Ure at Lower Dunsforth, though this also looks to be at risk due to high water levels. Up to-date information can be obtained from Rod Brooksbank on 07875-275749.

BRADFORD No 1 AA Following the recent high water levels, which have affected all of the club's river stretches and some still waters, members are reminded to take care when fishing on slippery banks and avoid potentially deep mud. If anyone spots fish trapped in puddles in fields as the water levels drop, please contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800-807060. The match committee have decided to trial the banning of dead baits in all club matches from 2016. Pike will continue to be allowed to be weighed in but must be caught using other methods. A new lock will be in place at Knotford from January 1, with a key required to be purchased from the ticket and licence secretary for £5, plus a deposit of £10 which will be refunded if the key is returned to the club. Widdington Hall will be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

LEEDS ASA Both of last weekend's matches were fished in terrible conditions. Result of Saturday's Open at Kippax Park (Lapwing and Skylark lakes): 1 S Raper 76lb 10oz (30lb trout, 30lb carp, plus silver fish), 2 D Wright 72lb 5oz (15 carp, plus trout), 3 A Broomhead 58lb 12oz. Result of Sunday Open (on Cyprio and the Moor Monkton match pool): 1 S Stoke 61lb 2oz, 2 O Hewitt 59lb 14oz, 3 D Millar 47lb 2oz. The revamped website is almost complete. Officials for 2016 elected at last week's meeting: S Jeffreys, P Roberts, J Jordan, E Harrison, T Owen, G Park, S Fearnley, plus members of the various sub-committees.

SALTAIRE AA Despite the terrible weather conditions and plummeting numbers, with only four people turning out, the canal match still went ahead last Sunday, pegged on the boats length in the centre of Shipley. Result: 1 Richard East (Matrix Halifax) 10lb 8oz (including two bream over 3lb and some quality roach), 2 Dave Taylor (Slaithwaite) 3lb 10oz, 3 Martin Blaggborough (Slathwaite) 2lb 6oz, 4 Andy Turner (Slaithwaite) 2lb 5oz. There is another canal open on Sunday. To book on, call Richard on 07815-0892966.

GREAT HORTON AC Result of last Sunday's Paul Savage Christmas Cheer Memorial Trophy at Poppleton Horseshoe Lake, York: 1 O Hudspith 31lb 12oz, 2 D Riley 19lb 6oz, 3 A Hillary 13lb 15oz, 4 Cole 11lb 15oz. Conditions were rainy and overcast all day with light winds but the match was well attended and everyone caught fish and received a prize. Tomorrow is our annual presentation at Great Horton Park Chapel Cricket Club (4pm), and all members should try to attend.

CLAYTON AC Result of Christmas Cheer Match last Saturday at Farview (20 anglers fished in wind and rain): 1 Alan Flesher 21lb 6oz, 2= Jason Craig, Alan Sugden 15lb 2oz. Section winners: Steff Armitage, Steve Vaughan, Bryan Ashton, Colin Mortimer. Thanks to all who attended the match and the presentation evening in the Fleece, and thanks to Terry and Jill for supporting the club this year. The annual meeting is next Wednesday at the Fleece, Clayton (7pm).

LISTERHILLS AA Owing to recent conditions, not many anglers have been in action during the last week. The winner in the Veterans' Trophy at Osprey Lake at Kippax was E Harrison with 16lb 1oz (carp and smaller fish). When the banks are muddy, members should take extra care. The canal is proving a good standby, with rivers at such high levels.

BINGLEY AC After the adverse weather conditions and rivers in flood, there is not much to report on the fishing front this week, but members are reminded to take care on the banks as floodwater subsides. There will be no change in membership rates for 2016, and yearbooks should be on sale in the usual outlets and on-line by Christmas.