KEIGHLEY ANGLING CLUB

TEMPERATURES finally began to dip after a mild start to the winter bringing enthusiastic pike anglers to river and stillwater banks.

Last week, a small jack pike was netted before being returned to slow running waters on the River Aire.

Keighley Angling Club reminds anyone catching pike to use the right equipment and record the catch to be in with a chance of claiming the annual pike trophy.

Trout and grayling continued to dominate activities on the river. Many reports were received of anglers landing up to a dozen fish per session.

While quiver tipped maggots on feeder or lead shot fared well, one Keighley club member set an incredible standard using stick float and mixed maggot to land 39 fish including grayling up to 2lb in an amazing three-hour spell on steady flowing water between Utley and Kildwick.

Elsewhere, a fin-perfect 4lb trout was brought to the bank was probably the best catch of the week.

Now that water levels remain settled, it may be worth testing the river for chub by suspending breadflake under a stick float in some of the renowned deep pools between Silsden and Keighley.