ALTHOUGH freezing temperatures over the past week created difficult conditions for the sport, the persistence of some of Keighley’s hardiest anglers has been richly rewarded.

Robin Pickles baited his hook with mixed maggot suspended under a stick float to land a total of 25 fish, including 17 grayling in a single session. Robin found success along a medium-flowing section of the river Aire at Kildwick and returned all fish to the water.

Grayling now populate our free-flowing waters in large numbers and can easily be tempted by red maggot as they scour the river bed in search of food.

Keighley Angling Club says conditions are perfect to target grayling and those who get among the shoals can expect specimens up to two and a half pounds.

The freezing conditions have also proved a challenge for dedicated pike anglers seeking to land some of the double-figure specimens that flourish in the Aire.

Keighley Angling Club received reports of a 12lb fish being landed near Utley after taking a dead-baited hook. This fish was also returned.

The Keighley club has enjoyed a resurgence over the past two or three years, with membership boosted by newcomers eager to seek out the variety of species that live in the clear waters of the Aire.

Anyone wishing to join should check the local tackle shop or contact club secretary Dennis Freeman on 07980-338225.