Angling Lines

The weather has now definitely turned autumnal, and the banks are not frequented quite so much by anglers as a result. However, river levels are still good and fish are reacting positively to the cooler weather and water in both the rivers and still-waters.

Anglers’ reports have been rather thin on the ground but barbel and carp have featured in catches from our fisheries this week. Club chairman Alan Robinson persuaded a 21lb common carp to the net at Shipton Lake at the weekend, as well as a 19lb fish, while his friend Phil had a mirror at 18lb. Alan’s larger specimen – nicknamed ‘The Codger’ – had not been landed for two years, and was stocked at 8lb only five years ago. The BCAA fishery on the River Swale at Topcliffe produced barbel of 10lb 1oz for Ben Craven and one of 8lb for Debbie Hardisty, after a long wait for her first specimen of the year.

Due to the ongoing keep-net ban – due to be reviewed at the committee meeting next week – the Cinderella Trophy match has been moved from Staveley Lakes to the River Ure at Lower Dunsforth. To book, or for more information, ring Rodney Brooksbank on 07875-275749.

SKIPTON AA

Weather conditions for last Sunday’s Skipton Winter League match on our Broughton Road length of the canal were almost ideal but in a complete contrast to the boat-less first match, boat traffic was very busy, with four passing through the match length at the same time.

Despite the disruption, weights were reasonable, although made up mainly of small roach, perch and tommy ruffe. Just one good perch of about 650g (1:7:0) and a roach of 340g (0:12:0) broke the monotony for the weighers at the end of the three-hour match.

Result: 1 Tim Bolland 1280g (2:13:0), 2 Dave Fenn 720g (1:9:8, including big roach), 3 Rob Thornton 710g (1:9:0), 4 Graeme Waterfall 690g (1:8:4, including big perch), Russell Heaton 600g (1:5:0). Pairs event: 1 Danny & Tim Bolland 1780g (3:14:8), 2 Dave & Bob Fenn 1290g (2:13:4), 3 Jason Aldis & Russell Heaton 1180g (2:9:8), 4 Kenny Wright & Rob Thornton 1130g (2:7:12), 5 Graeme Waterfall & Simon Chenier 850g (1:13:8). Individual standings: 1 Dave Fenn 42 pts, 2 Russell Heaton 40, 3 Jason Aldis 39, 4 Graeme Waterfall 35, 5 Kenny Wright 33, 6 Danny Bolland 32.

Registration for the league is now closed and comprises 22 competitors. The next match will be fished on the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick on Sunday, October 16 (draw 8am).

The river brown-trout season in Yorkshire closed at midnight last Friday, and on the Aire there were no last-minute specimens to report, although fishing conditions were good. The best fish of the season was the 3580g (7:14:0) specimen measuring some 70cm (27.5in) and landed by a Bradford City AA member in the first couple of days, while the best reported by a Skipton member was a 1990g (4:6:0) fish landed by Michael Ickringill, who also had three more over 1820g (4:0:0), all caught on the fly.

KEIGHLEY AC

With September heralding one of the warmest starts to autumn for years, the unseasonal rise in water temperatures has seen a number of impressive bites and catches along several stretches of the River Aire around Keighley. One experienced angler had a productive session near Kildwick, with a haul of more than 60 small and medium-sized fish tempted by mixed maggot. They were all in excellent condition and were returned safely to the water.

Committee members have tackled dense foliage and improved a number of pegs on Roberts Pond at Utley. Although the mild climate has seen a proliferation of weed in and around the eastern fringe of this quiet still-water, the pond continues to offer good sport and is home to many good-sized fish.

A new farm gate has been installed along the pathway to the Keighley club’s other still-water at Whitefields Loch above Steeton. As the gate will remain locked, members are asked to take great care when accessing the reservoir.

Finally, the local angling community have reacted with great sadness to the death of Dave Ward, who served Keighley Angling Club for many years before taking over at KL Tackle shop. He was a friend to many and will be missed by all involved in the sport.

SALTAIRE AA

There is an open match on Sunday on the canal between Dockfield and the Salts Mill sections. For anyone wanting to book on, call Richard East on 07815-092966 before 7pm tomorrow. The first of the river matches will be on the bottom length on Sunday, November 6. Can anyone wanting to book on, call Barry Murgatroyd on 07902-493139. Please note there is no fishing on these lengths on these dates until after the match. The annual meeting will take place on Monday, November 7 at the Ring 'O' Bells, Shipley (8pm). Members are requested to attend as new committee members are needed for the continuation of the club. Yearbooks, which have been reduced to £5 until the end of the year, are to be shown on entry and refreshments will be available.

LISTERHILLS AA

Result of the match on the Aire Valley Marine length of the canal: 1 R Movley with 3lb 13oz, 2 B Mason 2lb 11oz, 3 M Paton 2lb 3oz. Result of Peter Harrison Memorial Trophy match at Moor Monkton Pools' match pool (least popular of the lakes, which suffered from the previous cold night): 1 J Harrison 23lb 7oz, 2 G Reeday 12lb 4oz, 3 G Harrison 9lb 12oz. Draw for Sunday’s open match is at 10am on the crane-works length at Rodley. Next members’ match is at Aldwark Bridge on Sunday, October 16. Can more members please come forward to act as watchers on the canal.

LEEDS ASA

Guiseley Angling Centre closed at the end of September, and the officials wish Colin Spencer all the best for the future. Result of midweek match at Linton on Ouse: 1 R Foster 7lb 4oz, 2 J Lastakowski 3lb 2½oz, 3 K Pybus 3lb. Result of Sunday Open at Moor Monkton Pools (Cyprio): 1 L Myers 79lb 8oz, 2 L Hawksworth 76lb 10oz, 3 J Roper 70lb 7oz. Result of Saturday match at Kippax Park (Lapwing): 1 M Turner 90lb, 2 T Hewson 88lb, 3 S Jeffreys 85lb. The roadway at Linton has been resurfaced, thanks to the small group of volunteers.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Good fishing can be had on both the east and west coasts at the moment. Good cod and ling are being caught at Whitby when the boats can get to the far wrecks, and some good catches of whiting, dabs, gurnard and bull huss are being caught at Rhyl, although things will be tailing off as the month goes by. Fishing for cod will be starting in the River Mersey. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 18 at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm). New members will be made most welcome. The annual meeting is in November. If anyone has any rule changes, could they please notify our secretary Brian on 07901-717615.