High winds raised by the aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo stripped leaves off overhanging branches along some stretches of the canal causing problems for local anglers.

Despite this extra hazard, there have been several reports of decent catches – especially large bream - from the canal between Bradley and Silsden.

Meanwhile after being flushed by torrents resulting from heavy rainfall, the river Aire is in fine condition. With vegetation dying off along the margins, Keighley Angling Club committee cut twenty pegs along the river below Utley bridge in readiness for Autumn and Winter sessions.

Coarse angler Dave Fry took advantage of improved river conditions on one of the new pegs to land several brown trout and grayling using a quiver feeder baited with red maggot. Fry’s haul included a 2lb perch, weighed and witnessed by Keighley committee member Bob Granger who was fishing nearby. He described it as the largest perch he had ever seen to emerge from the Aire.

Keighley Angling Club members are reminded that the AGM will take place at the Marquis of Granby in Riddlesden at 7:30pm on 18th November.