AS TEMPERATURES plunged over the past week, some anglers changed tactics, choosing to track the course of the River Aire on foot rather than sitting to wait for a bite.

One Keighley member kept his line moving smoothly through frozen rod rings to land 21 grayling in a single session. Despite leaving to thaw himself out, the determined angler later returned to the bank to land 11 more fish using conventional stick-float methods over white maggot.

The pike season is well under way and, although several good-size specimens have been sighted, there were no reports of any catches in the past week.

One fish that remains elusive on the river has been spotted near Kildwick. Barbel had been the focus of a re-stocking programme during a joint exercise between Keighley Angling Club and the Environment Agency several years ago. Although they have proved a difficult fish to target, two prime specimens were seen sparking excitement that more may be lurking on the bottom of the river.

Keighley Angling Club year books are now available with the price, like recent weather, remaining frozen. The club hopes to attract even more members as it celebrates its 150th anniversary throughout 2018.

The books, which make an ideal stocking filler for Christmas, are available at local tackle shops or from club secretary Dennis Freeman on 07980-338225.