Throughout the winter months a group of hardy anglers have been competing in an 18-match series of contests at Kippax Park.
The generous sponsors were the owners of the River Plate restaurant in the Calls, Leeds, who put up £1,000 in prize money for the event.
The series ended recently and the final positions were: 1, Andy Stoner who totalled 24 points and collected £300; 2, Mal Roughton (40 points and £200); 3, Danny Scott (52 points and £150); 4, Neil Rymer (56 points and £120); 5, Andy Barker (65 points and £100); 6, Steve Raper (72 points and £75); 7, Stan Jeffreys (78 points and £50).
restaurant owners Samantha Davies and Jenny Fearnley were delighted with the success of the series and intend to repeat it next year.
As a bonus on the final contest they donated a special prize of a three-course meal for two at the restaurant to whoever caught the biggest bream and this was won by Sean Rodgers with 4lb 1oz.
● I told you a few weeks ago of the problem of otter predation at the Leeds-owned Knotford fishery, a large 24-acre lake between Pool-in-Wharfedale and Otley.
The issue was discussed at the recent March meeting of club delegates and the majority decision was that the lake should be fenced in.
the society is now to seek quotes from at least four companies to carry out the work.
Rough estimates suggest that the cost will be in excess of £30,000 but this can possibly be offset by a grant from the Environment Agency and advice is being taken in this direction.
Otters are a very big problem for the members who had to choose between doing nothing and watching the huge fish population be wiped out in a very short space of time or dipping into the society funds. fortunately, they went for the latter.
Critical
The situation is critical. the bailiffs, who patrol the lake daily, reported that so far this year 40 big fish, both carp and bream, have been found partly eaten at the side of the lake while a local wildlife group has reported sightings of no less than 22 feeding otters on the rear by the River Wharfe in the past few weeks.
● Late March saw the start of the new season at the Washburn Valley fishery and in the closed season there has been a heavy re-stocking of all types of trout.
Warm conditions greeted the visiting anglers, although this was soon to change but the fish responded well, mainly lures and nymphs.
Unlike some reservoirs in the country the water levels here are normal although the water is still very cold and fish are mostly taking baits fished between three and six feet deep.
In the first week, there were 73 day permit holders who between them, on the three reservoirs, Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty, carded a total of 437 fish which included 44 over 3lbs, the best a 8-2 rainbow trout taken by Fred Wallace on a Dawsons olive fly.
● Pre-book tickets for the Nidd Hall Open on May 26 are now available.
To get them call Caroline on 01442-868007.
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