BRADFORD No 1 AA

THIS winter's re-stocking programme got underway last week with the introduction of six carp from Fisher's Pond Fishery into Knotford Lagoon. The fish all weighed between 19lb 9oz and 24lb and come from a very good strain, with huge growth potential. This is the latest stage of a long-term stocking policy at the lake. Further stockings of our other waters are expected later this winter.

The River Swale at Topcliffe and Maunby will be closed on Sunday for the Dudley Hill & Tong Cup Open match. Tickets are available from Simon on 01274-571175, draw at Topcliffe (9am). Widdington Hall will also be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

Membership is still available to purchase through all the usual outlets. Tackle Corner in Elland is offering members a five per cent discount on production of a current Bradford No 1 yearbook.

SKIPTON AA

A large variety of weather in the past week or so has once again affected angling in the locality, making it something of a hit-and-miss affair. Not all trips out have been blank days, however, and one or two anglers have even had a memorable day's fishing.

A Bradford No 1 AA member, fishing their length of the River Aire on Heslaker Lane at Carleton-in-Craven, managed to get among a good shoal of grayling and landed some 15 fish, varying in size from 100g to about 900g. A few smallish brown trout were also caught, and all the fish were taken in a backwater when the river was running about half a metre above normal. Maggot proved to be the successful bait, accompanied by plenty of loose feeding.

It is just 12 months since the Skipton AA length below Carleton Stone Bridge produced a splendid chub weighing 2445g, which came close to the Association's record fish of 2700g. Plenty of smallish fish have been caught in the last year, together with a few bigger fish in the 1350g to 1800g range, but nothing anywhere near the record fish.

With the resurgence of chub in Skipton waters, there should now be sufficient fish about for them to be caught in any deepish swim or pool. Previous hot spots have included the top field on Heslaker Lane, the Armchair down to Carla Beck end, and below the Stone Bridge.

Two months remain of the present coarse fishing season to get a specimen, so try your luck when river conditions appear right. Chub are well known for eating every conceivable bait, ranging from a big lump of bread, a bunch of lobworms, sweetcorn, luncheon meat and even sprats intended for pike.

Sport on the canal has been quiet of late following a spate of record-breaking perch from the basin at Skipton. Besides the perch, this bit of the canal holds some decent roach, bream and pike and just has the edge on other lengths at this time of the year as the water will be slightly warmer due to it being situated in the centre of town.

LEEDS ASA

The recent matches on still-waters have been affected by ice forming as the matches were in progress. With this in mind, weights were quite good. Result of midweek match at Kippax Park: 1 A Barker 61lb, 2 S Raper 49lb 15oz, 3 I Willsher 40lb. Result of Wednesday match at Moor Monkton Pools: 1 D Wally 35lb 6oz, 2 26lb 10oz, 3 24lb 13oz. Result of well-attended Saturday match at Kippax Park (Lapwing): 1 S Raper 51lb 10oz, 2 D Newman 50lb 2oz, 3 B Brown 39lb 8oz. Result of Sunday match at Moor Monkton Pools: 1 S Mazza 33lb 8oz, 2 M Dodsworth 28lb 13oz, 3 A Middleton 24lb 2oz. Result of the match on the River Ouse, which was carrying extra-cold dirty water: 1 S Tate 7lb 10oz (single barbel), 2 A Hare 5lb 4oz (single bream), 3 D Pilgrim 3lb 13oz. In a recent match on the Ouse, T Hewson caught two fish, both of which were ineligible – a tiny pike and a small salmon parr, which were returned to the water unharmed.

LISTERHILLS AA

Membership books and canal day tickets can now be obtained from LMH Discounts Fishing Tackle & Pet Food Supplies at the Arndale Centre, Shipley Market Place. We hope to establish further new outlets in the near future. Anglers out over the last few days have had a lean time of it, with few reports coming in.

BINGLEY AC

Thanks to all who attended Sunday's work party at Coppice Pond. It was a very productive day, and the next one is planned for Sunday, January 28. Hopefully this will involve some bank-side planting and some work in the water. Anyone wishing to help will be welcome.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Don't forget to renew your 2018 membership – £20 for the year is cheap as chips, and you can pay at our next general meeting on Tuesday at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm). New members will be made welcome.