SKIPTON AA

This has been the first year when the stocking of diploid trout (fish-farmed brown trout capable of spawning) was banned on rivers and streams in England and Wales in an effort to prevent the further dilution of the genes of natural trout and therefore strengthen the stock.

From the start of this century, evidence had been mounting that angling clubs had been wasting money on restocking each year, and data was compiled from extensive fishing rights of the Manchester Anglers (MA) on the upper reaches of the River Ribble that confirmed the evidence.

The MA had been stocking about 800 to 1,000 brown trout each season, and anglers' catch records showed that over 90 per cent of catches were being returned.

These figures should have shown that the river would be full of trout but it wasn't. This prompted a few questions – Where were these fish going? Were they overwintering? Why was the river not teeming with trout, and what impact, if any, was the high stocking rate having on the wild fish population?

MA club members were asked to record their season catches, and in 2004 this showed that 403 brown trout had been caught and 90 per cent returned.

In 2005, the restocking fish were fin clipped (adipose fin removed), and returns showed that 454 fish were caught and, of these, 222 were fin- clipped stocked trout.

The following year, no stocking was carried out due to disease at the suppliers but 290 fish were caught, with just three fish being fin clipped. That season was hit by a drought and angling frequency was low.

In 2007, the MA took the decision not to stock, but catch returns recorded 350 fish, with just one fish fin clipped.

Since then, catches have returned to the numbers achieved when restocking was carried out, and now anglers are reporting catching plenty of small trout in the 7.5cm to 20cm (3" to 8") range and some adults up to 1360g to 1800g (3-4lb).

These fish are now successfully spawning, judging from the range of fish sizes.

Other Ribble angling clubs are now following suit after reviewing the evidence obtained from the MA's experience of ceasing stocking.

The Settle Anglers ceased stocking following a decision at their annual meeting in 2012.

River stocking with sterile triploid trout is still permitted but the fish tend to be more expensive due to the process involved with sterilisation and are believed to have a tendency to move about excessively from their point of introduction.

On the plus side, they fight well and grow quickly.

LEEDS ASA

Result of the Saturday Open match at Kippax Park: 1 J Bean 80lb, 2 T Evans 64lb 2oz, 3 T Hewson 64lb. Result of the Sunday Open at Moor Monkton Pools: 1 D Wright 116lb 4oz, 2 M Green 46lb 14oz, 3 O Hewitt 32lb 10oz. At the last December meeting, our new club was admitted to membership. We have an increase in membership of 158 this year. Prizes for the cancelled Christmas Cheer match will now be fished for in the Henry Barran Trophy match on Saturday.

LISTERHILLS AA

Contrary to rumours, the club still have full fishing rights at Pilley’s. The next members’ match on this water is on Sunday, January 3. Any member with information of any water which might be obtained by the club is asked to pass this to club officials, if successful, the informant will be given free membership of the association. Final positions for the Fox Brothers Points Shield: 1 E Harrison 442pts, 2 D Jackson 220, 42 anglers competed.

BRADFORD & DISTRICT SEA AC

Our first meeting of 2016 is on Tuesday, January 19 at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm), where trips for the calendar year will be discussed. We have a boat fishing trip to Grimsby on Tuesday, December 29. If you would like to go, please ring Dave on 07711-987833 to book your place.