SKPTON AA

The Skipton Summer League is back in action and despite the rather chilly north-easterly wind that has been with us for about a month, the first match produced some good weights that were better than any recorded over the past 12 months. The venue was the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick and apart from the wind, conditions were reasonable with plenty of quality bream turning up along with a few decent roach. Bread proved to be the winning formula for Simon Chenier as it attracted 3740g of fish to give him top weight. Russell Heaton ran him a close second with 3580g, while Steve McIlroy was third on 1550g. Other leading weights: 4 Bill Davenport 1430g, 5 Kenny Wright 980g, Wayne Eason 840g. The next match will also be fished at Barnoldswick on the Stickups length, which at this time of the year may also contain a bumper shoal of bream. This will be the last match at which new entrants may register. Full particulars may be obtained from Bill Davenport on 01756-799671 or 07581-082576.

Elsewhere fishing has been hampered by the wind, which has been very strong at times on the exposed Embsay and Whinnygill Reservoirs. There have been some sheltered places to fish on the river but on most of the Skipton stretch it has been blowing upstream – which, combined with a low flow, has made fishing difficult at times. Even so, some good sport has been recorded on all the waters, with a creditable 5kg bag of orfe, bream, roach, perch and gudgeon falling to Kenny Wright when he fished Whinnygill.

Brown, rainbow, tiger and blue trout have all been caught at Embsay when conditions have been favourable and the wind has died down. Most fish have been caught on worm but the fly has also been catching.

River anglers have been catching more out-of-season grayling than anything and this has prompted the Bradford City AA. to ask members not to deliberately target this fish as it is probably engaged in spawning activities. Brown trout fishing is still reasonable, with fly perhaps the best method. Prospects should be a little warmer shortly with a change in wind direction but that may bring thundery showers, which could put some extra water into the river.

BRADFORD No 1 AA

This weekend sees the first carp match of the year at Knotford, drawing at 8.30am and to be fished from 10am on Saturday until 4pm on Sunday. Prizes will include first, second and third prizes based on total weight, as well as one for the biggest fish. The lake will be closed from 9pm tonight until 5pm on Sunday. Any members willing to assist with weighing would be most appreciated. Tickets for the members' match on the Aire and Calder Canal at Beaver Bridge on Sunday, May 21 are available from Simon on 01274-571175. The canal has been fishing well over the past few weeks, with nets of bream over 30lb being caught from most stretches. The net dip at Knotford is now in operation and all anglers fishing the lake are required to soak nets, slings and unhooking mats for ten minutes prior to fishing. This is to protect all species of fish from disease. Anglers fishing other venues are advised to dry all equipment, in direct sunlight where possible, between fishing venues.

LEEDS ASA

Persistent strong wind from the north-east has cut catch rates on several fisheries and kept some anglers off the banks. The Tuesday open at Kippax Park was fished on Osprey Lake and the winner was venue regular T Hewson with a weight of 105lb 3oz. Other results: 2 J Lawrence 83lb 10oz, 3 N Rymer 66lb 3oz. The Wednesday Open at Moor Monkton Pools was fished on the front pool and the winner was S Brown with 84lb 10oz. Other results: 2 A Birr 51lb 12oz, 3 G Wright 44lb 15oz. The Saturday Open at Kippax Park was held on Osprey, with first place taken by J Wake on 75lb 10oz. Other results: 2 N Carr 55lb 50z, 3 M Shorter 48lb 1oz. The Sunday JT Rogers Spring Series fixture was fished on the front pool and the winner was O Hewitt with 71lb 1oz. Other results: 2 S Brown 67lb 10oz, 3 S Mazza 67lb 10oz, 4 M Gallagher 57lb 5oz. A reminder that on still waters where net dips have been provided, they must be used for all nets, weigh slings and unhooking mats. Catches of carp fell during the last week at Knotford but this did not stop a few hardy anglers from bringing good fish to bank, the best recorded being 26lb. Results on all venues should pick up with the forecast of higher temperatures.

LISTERHILLS AA

The members' match on Osprey Lake at Kippax Park was a disappointment. As well as a strong, cold wind to contend with, the pegs used were the same as the previous day and were fished on consecutive pegs, while on open matches there are pegs left vacant between each angler. The winner and second were drawn on either end of the length. Results: 1 J Harrison 36lb 11oz, 2 D Stephenson 12lb 9oz, 3 D Jackson 7lb 9oz, 4 E Harrison 6lb 10oz. These weights compare to the other club matches held on the complex the same day. The draw for tomorrow's open match is at 10am on the nature reserve length at Rodley, followed by an open match on the same length on Sunday, May 21. To book on call 01132-772215. There is a possibility of the club obtaining a water in the locality. All information passed on to members of the committee will be looked into and could result in free membership for the informant.

BRADFORD & DISTRICT SEA AC

Tuesday is our monthly general meeting at the New Inn, East Bierley , starting at 8pm New members will be made most welcome. Will members who are booked on the trip to Hartlepool this coming Wednesday note that we are now fishing on the boat called Lone Shark. This is a late change but still a good and well known boat. This change will be discussed at the general meeting. See Dave at the meeting or call him on Tuesday evening for a weather report. Fishing is picking up all around the coast. With settled weather, some good catches can be had. On the West coast, the mackerel are moving inshore, so some good sport with tope and bull huss should be picking up. Whitby boats are returning with good bags of cod and ling from rough ground and wrecks.

CLAYTON AC

Result of our match at Sessay (Poplars Lake), when 17 fished: 1 Steff Armitage 42lb, 2 Steve Vaughan 39lb, 3 Jack Hawkins 38lb 10oz. Section winners: Jason Craig 37lb 12oz, Steve Charge 31lb 10oz, Steve Elphee 20lb. Pairs winners: Steve Vaughan and Colin Mortimer 61lb 10oz. The next match is on Sunday, May 21 at Winfield Lakes. Any member not fishing should notify Jason at least seven days prior to match or will be liable for peg fees.

BINGLEY AC

The next club match will be at Settler dam on Sunday, May 21, drawing at 9am on the bank. To book on call Tony Greenwood on 07971-428678. Roach are being caught at Sunnydale and tench have started to feed on Coppice pond, with good fish being reported.

CENTRAL AC

Result of Sunday's match at Redwood Lakes: 1 M Davey 78lb 2oz, 2 S Worley 43lb 12oz, 3 C Davey 26lb, 4 C Thompson 25lb 4oz. Our next match is at Brafferton on Sunday, May 21. Meet 8am at venue for fishing from 9am to 3pm.