MANY local stretches of the River Aire continue to fish well with reports of large numbers of brown trout up to 1lb, small chub and Tommy Ruff being caught on mixed maggot.

Scenic stretches between Stockbridge and Kildwick have become home to many shoals which provide fine sport in the present warm and challenging conditions.

Experienced Keighley angler Darren Watson got his pole tactics exactly right to take advantage of the river’s teeming waters. But even he was caught off guard by an opportunist pike which made a grab for hooked fish being brought to the bank.

Although the pike released its hold on Darren’s catch, it targeted his bait a second time. The alert angler anticipated a second strike and brought the 8lb predator safely to the landing net before it was returned.

The canal is fishing quite well if you know where to look. Skimmer bream have been spotted in sheltered swims beneath overhanging branches at Riddlesden and also between Silsden and Bradley. One member reported a good morning session using a combination of maggot fished over ground bait to land a couple of bream and several small skimmers.