Angling Lines

A mixture of weather this week has brought a mix of results. Few have been out on the rivers, though Scott Verity reported a good out-of-season brown trout of just under 3lb from the Aire near Carleton. On BCAA still-waters, the mild winter means that the water is warm for this time of year. Sun earlier this week saw fish topping the surface, and five pike were caught at Shipton Lake, with Alan Robinson having four fish to 14lb.

BCAA members will recall the application made two years ago to build a hydropower plant at Topcliffe Weir on the Swale. Anglers feared this would obstruct access and spoil the fishing in the usually productive weir pool. The Harrogate Council planning committee was due to decide on the application this week. However, the proposal faced strong opposition and was withdrawn just before the meeting, so will not now go ahead.

Anglers should take care accessing the fishing at some of our waters. On the Swale at Topcliffe, they should beware going too far down Winn Lane, where recent rain has left the track very muddy. At Staveley Lakes, the track on the big lake is getting very slippery, and at Oakworth the access road is awaiting repair after recent storms.

The next BCAA match is an open at Lower Dunsforth on the River Ure tomorrow. Places are still available and can be booked via Rodney Brooksbank on 07875-275749.

BRADFORD No 1 AA

Bites were hard to come by for many of the 37 anglers in the second round of the Raskelf Winter Series. Result: 1 James Vickerman 43lb 7oz (impressive catch of F1 carp on groundbait feeder and maggot), 2 Ian Newby 36lb 10oz (F1 carp on feeder and maggot), 3 Graham Jackson 23lb 12oz (F1 carp), 4 Ricky Malone 12lb 12oz (F1 carp), 5 John Walsh 12lb 2oz (ide). The next round will take place on Sunday, February 28. Widdington Hall will be closed tomorrow for an outside booking. Tickets are available for the open match on the River Swale at Maunby on Sunday, February 14 from Simon on 01274-571175. This match will be a good opportunity for anglers competing in the RSPS Team Masters the following week to practise on the river. Anybody wishing to fish in the Team Masters for the Bradford No 1 team should also contact Simon. Members visiting Knotford require a key for the main gate, due to persistent vandalism. Anybody caught vandalising club property will be reported to the police. Anglers at Shelf Dam have reported good catches of bream to over 4lb fishing pole and maggot, along with the usual nets of roach, ide and perch. Membership for 2016 is available to purchase online at www.bradfordno1.com or from most local tackle shops.

SKIPTON AA

Further spells of heavy rain and strong winds have once again restricted fishing to still waters, and even here few anglers have been in action. Recent efforts on the river have seen catches consist of the odd trout or grayling falling to the worm, maggot or fly. Nothing special has been landed but at least some fish known to be present. On the canal, the centre of Skipton appears to be the place to fish, with roach, perch and skimmers all making an appearance. Most of the fish are only average size, although perch can run to over the 450g (1:0:0) mark. A big lobworm seems to be the best bait for attracting the bigger perch. Very few anglers have been interested in Whinnygill Reservoir of late due to the inclement weather at this rather exposed water. One or two have wet a line during the occasional lull in the storms but have only caught a few small brown trout.

SALTAIRE AA

Result of the well-attended pike match on the canal last Sunday: 1 Derek Heath 12lb 7oz (one fish), 2 Adrian Wood 6lb (one fish). There were plenty of takes, with a good number of big doubles being hooked, but unfortunately they were lost at the landing net. There will be a canal and a river match this Sunday. Both are open matches, meaning you do not need to be a member of the club to enter them. These waters have been fishing very well lately, so the results should be good. Contact Richard East to book on the canal match (07815-092966) and Barrie Murgatroyd to book on the river match (07902-493139). The 2016 yearbooks are in the agents now, and anglers are reminded that these should be purchased.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, February 16 at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm). We are looking for a member to take on the chairman's job later in the year, as our present chairman is retiring. If you would like to fill this position, please ring our secretary Brian on 07901-717615 or make yourself known at a general meeting. There are plenty of cod being caught inshore at Whitby when gales allow the boats to get out.

BINGLEY AC

Result of last Sunday's Christmas Cheer on the Aire, fished in flood conditions on a rising river: 1 I Needs 3lb 14oz, 2 A Greenwood 3lb 2oz, 3 J Story 1lb 1oz. There is another work party at Coppice Pond on Sunday to continue fencing work (9.30am). Contact Charlie on 07954-781992 for details or just turn up on the day. All volunteers are welcome.

LISTERHILLS AA

For Sunday's members' match at Pilley's, the gate will be open at 8.30am (draw 8.45am). It is hoped that river levels will have returned to a fishable level. However, the bank will be muddy. Anglers using two rods on our venues must obtain the second rod permit, which costs £5. A day-ticket angler caught a perch of just under 2lb from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

HEWENDEN AC

Result of Sunday's pike match: 1 Phil Wilson 24lb, 2 B Fallows 5lb 15oz. A massive well done to Phil for landing one of the largest recorded pikes in the last few years. They are showing in the pegs close to the fence end (numbers 8-14).