MANY Keighley anglers have switched attention from canal to river to take advantage of fish emerging from lengthy spawning.

Members report that fish in local waters of the Aire are anxiously foraging for food following lean periods during the breeding season.

A 200-yard stretch of the Aire at Utley containing several pegs is worth a visit as it has become the haunt of several species, including trout, chub and perch. One angler took advantage of the long daylight hours on that stretch to land a mixed bag of 30 fish during a two-hour spell ending at 10pm.

Fishing with pole and chopped worm, his haul included chub, trout, several good-size perch and even roach which are slowly repopulating river waters after a long absence from anglers’ nets.

Many other stretches of the river are fishing extremely well. Opting for pole baited with worm and a chopped-worm dropper, Keighley member Darren Watson chose a swim near Utley. In a frenzied session he netted an incredible 80 fish, which included 70 dace, brown trout and half a dozen chub.

Warmer waters mean that fishing on the canal between Keighley and Skipton is steadily improving, although members need to choose their swims carefully to avoid blanking. Members tell of good sport at a number of points between Silsden and Riddlesden and also near Bradley.