KEIGHLEY ANGLING CLUB

THIS Saturday, after a long break from competition, Keighley anglers will be given the chance to test their skills at an organised match on the River Aire between Kildwick and Sutton Beck.

There is a £10 entry fee with a cash prize on offer. For match enquiries, ring Jack Woodham on 07710 227982. Meet by Kildwick Bridge at 8:30am on Saturday.

In other news, river water levels and ideal temperatures, which have been perfect for the spawning season, have now risen slightly over the past fortnight.

Fish have been spotted rising from lower depths in search of food at early morning and evening times.

Fishing conditions on the River Aire have been described as excellent. Several impressive catches, including brown trout and chub up to one lb, have been brought to the bank and returned into the water.

The close season, which began in March, ended on June 16, and, once again, maggot has become the prime bait. Trout and bream are shoaling in popular swims along the entire length of Keighley’s river waters.

The angling club has strimmed and prepared several pegs on the stretch downstream from Utley Bridge in readiness for a summer of sport and local tackle shops have reopened following coronavirus lockdown restrictions being eased.

The popularity of the canal as a fishing venue has endured for more than 150 years and over the past three months, the number of fish shoals has increased significantly.

Anglers should note that bream which have flourished in cloud-dappled waters can now be seen basking in the sunshine, close to the surface.