KEIGHLEY ANGLING CLUB

Sunny weather brought many competitors to the River Aire to take part in Keighley Angling Club’s seasonal fishing matches.

Steve North put in a strong performance by netting 6lb of fish in a single session, but Nigel Reilly remains in pole position after winning two successive matches with a combined haul of 11lb 11oz.

Graham Whiteley is snapping at his heels in second place with a 7lb 8oz total.

Competitors reported that trout and grayling favoured corn, while chub, roach and dace had been tempted by maggot and worm.

The river is becoming increasingly popular with anglers, ramblers and dog walkers.

This is thanks to joint efforts to improve sections of the bank and the pathway by Keighley Angling Club, The Aire River Trust and Bradford Council's Countryside and Rights of Way Service.

Bob Granger, acting chairman of the Keighley Angling Club, welcomed increasing footfall along the river, saying: “Everyone can play a part in making sure the river and its immediate environment stays in the best possible condition.

“We welcome anyone with a permit to fish our waters, whether they are experienced or new to the sport. It is also good to see people taking advantage of the river’s pathways.

“The River Aire is the perfect location for anglers due to the wide variety of fish thriving in its clear waters.

“And there has never been a better time to get those rods out, because cloudy skies and recent rainfall are providing ideal conditions, with fish coming off the bottom in search of food.”

Anyone wishing to become a member of the club, or wanting to sample the waters with a day-ticket, can contact treasurer Dennis Freeman on 07980 338225.

Details of the next match will be posted on Facebook, via the club website, as well as in local tackle shops.

BINGLEY ANGLING CLUB

Once again, the fish failed to feed for a Bingley match, in which John Clark found three perch to win.

He came first with 2lb 10oz, I. Needs ended up second with 2lb 3oz, and I. Ward was third with 1lb 1oz.

Coppice Pond is fishing well for small silvers, evenings being the best time to fish.

This week's rain has put some much needed water into the rivers and fishing should improve.

LISTERHILLS A.A.

The result of the annual Leeds-Liverpool Open Canal Championship saw B. Mason win with 2lb 10oz, with the catch comprising of 43 small fish.

R. Movley came second with 1lb 15.5oz. J. Mason finished third, fourth and section winner was D. Moffatt, while fifth and section winner was R. Thorne.

E. Harrison came sixth and there was only 6oz separating second to sixth place.

Tomorrow's match is on the Industrial Museum length. The draw is at 9am in the Armley car park.

LEEDS & DISTRICT A.S.A.

Fluctuating weather conditions affected catches in the match at Moor Monkton Pools.

D. Wright finished first with 47lb 12oz, M. Carr was second with 42lb 10oz and the third weight (name of angler unknown) was 33lb 12oz.

Sunday's match is the Lower Aire Championship, run in conjunction with Bradford No1 A.A.