THE brighter blustery weather has created some ideal fishing conditions over the past week for Keighley Angling Club members.

Many fish have been spotted – especially bream which continue to shoal up in large numbers in shaded spots along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.

One Keighley member ran into a rich seam of fish resting alongside some moored barges close to Silsden.

He netted more than 12 bream up to 2lbs in a two-hour early morning spell using stick float and mixed maggot on a size 14 hook. All fish were reported to be in superb condition and were safely returned to the water.

The close season will end in a couple of weeks and while many anglers cannot wait to get back to having their lines baited with maggot, the respite has provided much sport with worm, bread and lure alternatives.

Even though strengthening winds and emerging summer foliage caused difficulty with casting, fly anglers also had the chance to get among the fish.

Several brown trout up to half a pound were tempted by a variety of nymphs pulled slowly through slow-running waters.

Keighley club officials plan to look at the water at Robert Pond in Utley.

Many fish have been spotted in the water including carp, but floating vegetation has made fishing challenging.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help improve the water should get in touch with club secretary Dennis Freeman on 07980 338225.