Important Notices:

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19th Decemberber 2022

1st October2021

Membership for the remainder of 2021 is now half price. Visit the subscriptions page for more details.

This year's annual general meeting will take place at The Moorlands Club on Wednesday 13th October at 7.30pm, and all members are invited to attend. Please remember to bring your current yearbook with you, no entry without it.

7th September 2020

10th August 2020

11th May 2020

In line with the latest government announcement, Bradford No.1 A.A. waters will reopen to members on Wednesday 13th May 2020 in accordance with existing club rules and river closed seasons.

During the period of return anglers are encouraged to follow social distancing best practice as set out by the government as well as hand hygiene before and after touching surfaces such as locks and gates.

The matches this weekend at Raskelf and Knotford will be cancelled.

48 Hour permits have been suspended until 1st June to give night permit holders a chance to fish following the recent closures.

10th February 2020

Due to the riparian owner selling the land, we will no longer hold the fishing rights on the River Swale at Topcliffe after 29th February 2020. Our thanks go to the owner for the many years of quality fishing and we wish them all the best for the future. 

Any information as to fishing rights which are available would be gratefully received and followed up by the committee. Please email details to ask_us@bradfordno1.com.

Annual night permits for 2020 are now sold out. Details on how to join the waiting list for next year can be found on page 21 of the yearbook.

17th December 2019

2020 membership now available

2nd Oct 2019

Membership now half price

4th May 2019

Raskelf Lake will be closed from 17th June until 21st June to allow the new gate and fence to be completed safely. There will be no access to the lake for members during this time. A key will be required for entry to the lake from January 2020 to help protect fish stocks and security. This will be the same key as Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon, please see page 23 of the yearbook for more details. 

A new lake record carp has been carp has been caught from Knotford, weighing 37lbs 4oz. Well done to Wes Lowrie on his catch.

8th March 2019

Privilege tickets are now available online, visit www.bradfordno1.com/privilegeticket.html for more details.

25th January 2019

The new gate and lock is now in place at Kirklees Lagoon to improve security at the lake and ensure only members access the venue. The lock uses the same key as at Knotford, and details on how to get a key can be found in the yearbook. The same lock will also be introduced to Raskelf Lake in January 2020.

There may be some disruption on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe as the Environment Agency carry out tree clearance works from February 4th for up to two weeks. Representatives from the club have met with those carrying out the work to ensure the effect on fish and anglers are kept to a minimum.

7th January 2019

Day tickets for non-members to fish at Harold Park or Chellow Dene in Bradford are now available to be purchased online at www.bradfordno1.com/dayticket.html

It's easy to do, just fill in the form, press submit and it will take you to PayPal where you can pay using either a PayPal account or card. The day ticket will then be emailed to you and you can go fishing straight away. Please keep this day ticket with you while fishing to show to any bailiff or club member if asked.

These are also now available from JB's Off Licence at 27 Union Road, Low Moor.

10th December 2018

Membership for 2019 is now available on the subscriptions page and all prices have been frozen for this year. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances Tackle 2U are not currently selling yearbooks. The nearest agent to their Bradford store is Eccleshill Angling on Stony Lane.

15th October 2018

Thank you to everybody who attended last week's annual general meeting. The committee was once again over subscribed with more volunteers than places and Ricky McGee voted back on after a couple of years away. All four proposed rule changes were passed and £80.19 was raised towards next year's junior matches. Well done to everybody who picked up trophies on the night. Allan Allcock was the winner of this year's Knotford Carp Cup with a fish weighing 34lbs 9oz, while Richard Wood won the Kirklees award with a 33lbs 4oz fish.

Please could members note that Gratrix Dam will be closed on November 15th for some tree clearance works.

Work has now begun on the fence and bank improvements on the field and orchard sides of Raskelf Lake. Please could members take note of any notices and bank closures at the lake while works are taking place for your own safety. The car park side will remain open at all times.

1st October 2018

All 2018 membership prices are now half price until the end of the year. Visit the subscriptions page for more information. 

All members are invited to attend this year's AGM on Wednesday 10th October at the Moorlands Club in Cleckheaton. This is your opportunity to have a say in how the club is run, vote on proposed rule changes and volunteer for the committee. Please remember to bring your yearbook as there will be no entry without it. 

1st July 2018

Due to high rental costs and a lack of members using the stretch, the club no longer hold the fishing rights on the River Swale at Catton.

26th April 2018

After lengthy discussions between committee members and the council, permission has now been granted for the club to place a lock on the otter fence gate at Kirklees Lagoon from June 1^st 2018.
This lock will use the same key as the one already in place at Knotford and keys are available for members by completing the form on page 21 of the yearbook.

The members' match series got underway with the W Backhouse Cup at Raskelf on Sunday and it was very much a match of two halves with many of the 41 anglers catching most of their fish in the first 3 hours before quieting down for the remainder. It ended up being a very close match with good weights coming from all over the lake, topped by Nick Michael's net of 24 F1 carp on pole for 33lbs 3oz.

22nd January 2018

The next stages of this winter's restocking policy have taken place over the last couple of weeks, following on from the stocking of 6 large carp into Knotford. Kirklees Lagoon has received two carp weighing 22lbs 12oz and 20lbs 14oz from Fishers Pond Fishery as part of a longer term plan for the water. There have also been stockings into Raskelf lake with 1500 ide and 1600 F1 carp introduced to further boost stocks at this popular water.

Raskelf lake will be closed on Sunday for round 2 of the winter series, which will draw at the Black Bull in Raskelf at 9am. Widdington Hall will also be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

2017 night permit holders have until January 31st to renew their permit before any remaining are sold to the waiting list.

8th January 2018

This winter's restocking program got underway last week with the introduction of 6 carp from Fishers Pond Fishery into Knotford Lagoon. The fish all weighed between 19lbs 9oz and 24lbs and come from a very good strain with huge growth potential. This is the latest stage of a long term stocking policy at the lake, and further stockings of our other waters are expected later this winter.

The River Swale at Topcliffe and Maunby will be closed on Sunday for the Dudley Hill and Tong Cup open match. Tickets are available from Simon on 01274 571175 and the draw will take place at Topcliffe at 9am.

17th December 2017

2018 Membership now available in the shops and online

27th November 2017

Membership for 2018 will go on sale once the yearbooks are received from the printers, which is expected to be the middle of December. Senior membership will cost £50, with concessions £30 and juniors just £5 for the full year, giving access to 11 lakes, over 35 miles of river and 12 miles of canal within Yorkshire.

Raskelf Lake will be closed on Sunday for the opening round of this year's winter series, which will draw at the Black Bull at 9am. There are still a few places available for this match from Simon on 01274 571175. Tickets are also available from Simon for the open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe on December 10th.

The match calendar for 2018 is now on the club website, with more than 30 matches again taking place next year.

James West has produced a great video about our Knotford fishery, including catch pictures and some drone footage, which can be seen on YouTube, our social media pages or our website gallery. If you've never fished the lake, or are looking for a club to join for next year, be sure to take a look.

19th October 2017

Thank you to everyone who attended last week's 139th annual general meeting. About 65 members attended on the night and three rule changes were passed - full details of which will be in the 2018 yearbook. Alan Allcock and Jimmy Tingle have both joined the committee for next year, while Matt Foster will take over as Assistant Secretary from Joan Atkinson, who stands down after carrying out the role for 34 years. Outgoing club president Simon Foster announced that a donation of £804 has been made by the club to the Bradford branch of the Macular Society from the presidents charity fund.

There will be a slight change to the way night permits for Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon are issued from next year. Existing permit holders will still have until January 31st to renew but any not renewed will be available through a waiting list system. For more details see the '2018 night permits' link at the top of this page.

Andy Jacques claimed his third member's match win of the year last week as he sealed his second aggregate weight title - and with a new record weight! Andy's 38lbs 11oz catch of F1 carp on pole from Raskelf Lake was enough to win the Spenborough Guardian Trophy and took his total over the seven matches to 126lbs 7oz, becoming the 70th winner of the Aggregate Weight Trophy in the process. His combined weight was 30lbs more than second place and is a new record for the trophy, 18lbs better than the previous best. Second placed on the day and on the aggregate weight was James Vickerman, whose 32lbs 8oz catch of F1 carp on method feeder took his total to 96lbs 10oz.

Tickets are available for the open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe (not Roecliffe as in the yearbook) on November 12th from Simon on 01274 571175.

The River Swale at Maunby and Gatenby will be closed on Saturday for a RSPS match, and the River Ouse at Widdington will be closed on Sunday.

1st October 2017

Membership for 2017 is now half price, meaning that senior membership costs just £24 and juniors can join for £2.50. This is available to purchase from the ticket secretary or on the subscriptions webpage.

The trout season has now ended so anglers shouldn't purposefully target this species until 24th March.

This year's AGM will take place on Wednesday 11th October at the Moorlands Club in Cleckheaton from 7.30pm. All members are invited to attend, although the current yearbook must be shown on entry, and their will be a free pie and pea supper. The agenda for the evening includes a prize presentation for this year's trophy winners, election of the committee for next year and discussion and voting on proposed rule changes.

The members' match at Raskelf on October 8th will draw at the Black Bull in Raskelf village at 9am and breakfasts will be available from 8.

Mirfield claimed their 15th Calder League title last weekend as they overtook Punky's 8, who had lead since the second round, in the final match. A second place finish in the match gave Mirfield a total of 38.5 points from the six matches which was just one ahead of Punky's 8 and seven ahead of third placed Calder 8.

11th September 2017

18 year old Nick Michael produced one of the most surprising catches of the year to win Sunday's Hirst Cup members' match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe. On his first ever visit to the stretch, Nick fished stick float and caster to catch four bream, a species which is extremely rare in the Nidd, along with a chub and a couple of pounds of dace for the winning weight of 20lbs 4oz.

Tickets for this Sunday's Calder Championship are available for £15 from Simon on 01274571175. The match will draw at the Railway Inn in Brighouse at 9am and every stretch will be closed for it. There is a £500 first prize and plenty of back up prizes, along with sections paid by default.

The River Ure at Roecliffe will be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

The next 24 hour carp match at Knotford will take place on the 23rd and 24th of September, and the lake will be closed on the Friday night prior.

4th September 2017

It's been a great week on the carp fishing front with two fish over 30lbs being caught from two different waters within a few days of each other, meaning we have new leaders for both Carp Cups. The first was caught by Craig Biss from Knotford at 31lbs 14oz, just 2oz ahead of the previous best which was a different fish. This carp was one of the fish stocked last winter and has been showing good weigh gains since being caught after spawning in June at 25lbs. This was followed a few days later by the news that Mick Batley had caught the fish known as 'Wonky' from Kirklees Lagoon at 31lbs 9oz, up nearly 2lbs from when Richard Wood caught it little over a month before. The capture came on a Calder Valley Baits spicy fish pop-up over a spot Mick had been feeding regularly for about a month. The deadline for the Carp Cups is at the end of this month so that they can be presented at the AGM. Bailiff Dan Whitaker had a red letter day at Knotford on Sunday, catching 13 carp between 14lbs and 25lbs, 2 bream and a tench.

The penultimate round of the Calder League took place on Sunday and was won by Calder 8 angler Mark Webb with 33lbs of chub fishing stick float and caster. Drennan Barnsley's Denis White took second place with 24lbs of chub and grayling on pole as his team eased to victory in the team stakes with 50 points, seven ahead of joint second placed Bradford No1 and Mirfield despite having the matches only non-weigher.

The Hirst Cup members' match will take place this Sunday on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe, with tickets available from Simon on 01274571175. This stretch has been fishing very well recently for chub, barbel and dace. The River Aire at Beal will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

Ticket sales are going well for the annual Calder Championship on September 17th, which carries a first prize of £500. They can still be booked from Simon on the number above or from Tackle 2U in Bradford.

Second rod permit holders fishing Knotford can fish using three rods from now until 30th April, as per rule 67. On all other waters this doesn't take effect until 1st November.

Anybody wishing to propose a rule change for this years AGM must do so in writing to the General Secretary by September 11th, specifying the proposal, your details and the details of a seconder.

21st August 2017

Steve Raper topped the 82 angler field to became the Lower Aire Champion 2017 on Sunday at Beal with 16lbs 8oz of skimmers, just 4oz ahead of second placed Kev Hartley. Although the bream didn't feed in great numbers on the day, the biggest bream was caught by Keith Hobson weighing 7lbs 4oz and there were good catches of perch and roach, with 10 double figure weights.

Geoff Gillingwater has had some very good short sessions on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe recently catching a range of species with the highlight being a double figure barbel. There has also been quite a few fish just below the magical 10lb mark being caught from the stretch, including a 9lbs fish caught be Andrew Fieldhouse.

17 year old Jesse Young has caught a pike over 20lbs from Chellow Dene in Bradford. Warren Burke has caught a 21lbs 5oz common carp known as 'Lumpy' from Knotford. There has also been some very good catches from Raskelf lake including nets of over 100lbs of F1 carp.

The road at Thornton Bridge is due to be subject to night closures (8pm til 6am) for the next couple of weeks while repairs take place so this may affect anglers fishing the river here or Raskelf.

14th August 2017

The Lower Aire Championship, run jointly with Leeds DASA, takes place this Sunday with tickets available from Simon on 01274 571175. The match will draw at the Jenny Wren at 9am and another big turnout is expected.

Anybody wishing to put a proposal in for this years AGM must do so in writing to the secretary by September 11th, ready for the meeting on October 11th.

There have been a number of large fish caught from the clubs river stretches in the last few weeks, with the largest being a 10lbs barbel caught by David Worsfold on the River Swale at Thornton Bridge. Andrew Fieldhouse has again been catching from the River Nidd at Cowthorpe, this time an 8lbs 3oz barbel. There has also been a lot of good carp caught over the last week from Knotford, Kirklees, Harold Park and Queen Mary's Ponds. These catches include a 15lbs 2oz common carp caught by Jay Davies from Harold Park and a double figure common caught from Ripon by Paul Horner fishing with light tackle for bream.

2017 yearbooks have now been collected in from tackle shops ready for audit but membership can still be purchased on the club website or from Simon Freer (07714662783).

24th July 2017

Harry Michael completed the clean sweep at this years juniors matches on Saturday, following up his win in the tiddler (under 11s) section of the first match last month with another match win and the best aggregate weight. Drawn in the same peg as the first match, Harry topped his previous weight with 30 f1 carp fishing pole and pellet shallow for 32lbs 8oz in the three and a half hour match. This took his aggregate weight over the two matches to 59lbs 1oz, more than double the next best. The junior section (ages 11 to 16) was extremely close run with just 2oz separating Harry Sandham and Alex Riley.

Despite good nets of skimmers being caught from the stretch through the week they failed to show up for the officials match on the Aire and Calder Canal at Rawcliffe Bridge, the flat calm conditions likely being to blame. Geoff Bass won the match with 7lbs 10oz of perch. Paul Hopkins won the biggest fish trophy with a 2lbs 12oz bream. The Harry Foster Memorial Trophy for the best aggregate weight over the three officials matches goes to Nick Freer with 58lbs 4oz.

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for round 3 of the Calder League. Large nets of roach are being caught from both above and below Cooper Bridge so far this season on float and maggot or hemp.

The top lake at Shelf has been raked to reduce the amount of weed. The bottom lake is fishing very well for roach and bream on bread or maggot.

10th July 2017

Ricky Bonas won the Centenary Trophy members match on the River Aire at Beal on Sunday with a 25lbs 1oz catch consisting of 5 bream up to 5lbs 15oz and some perch on groundbait feeder and worm. The next members match will take place at Raskelf on August 6th, and is already sold out. 

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for the second round of the Calder League, which will draw at the Railway Inn at 9am. Shelf Dam will be closed on Monday (17th) until 4.30pm while some filming takes place.

Anglers fishing on the River Derwent are advised that our bottom stretch at Howsham Wood extends from the bridge up to the school boundary including on the island, despite what some locals claim.

There has been a number of good chub and barbel catches reported over the last week from various club stretches, including the River Wharfe at Thorpe Arch, River Nidd at Cowthorpe and River Swale at Thornton Bridge.

Twenty fish cradles have now been made at Knotford for anglers to use while unhooking fish to improve fish care and reduce the spread of disease. All nets and weigh slings must still be dipped in the disinfectant tank on entry for at least 10 minutes.

3rd July 2017

The Calder League got underway on Sunday from Brighouse to Dewsbury, with 8 teams again competing this year. Last years runners up Mirfield romped to victory in the opening round with 54 points, ahead of second placed Willy Worms (39 points), in a match which produced 18 double figure individual weights, many of which were roach and perch catches. 

The next members match will be held this Sunday on the River Aire at Beal, fishing for the Centenary and ABU trophies. This match will draw at the Jenny Wren in Beal at 9.15am, with tickets available for £15 on 01274571175.

The River Nidd at Cowthorpe is continuing to produce catches of chub and barbel on bomb and meat, while large nets of silver fish are possible on stick float and maggot.

27th June 2017

Ten year old Harry Michaels once again proved his undoubted talent with the top weight from Saturdays junior match at Raskelf Lake, and more than double the next best. Harry fished pole and pellet to catch 26lbs 9oz of mainly F1 carp, along with a couple of tench and crucians. The second match of the weekend at Raskelf saw John Hopkins win the officials match with 50lbs 5oz of F1 carp on feeder.

This Sunday will see the first round of this years Calder League team competition, which will draw at the Railway Inn in Brighouse at 9am. Some of the clubs stretches of the River Calder will be closed for this match, while the River Aire at Beal will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

The River Calder, especially on the cornmill section, has been fishing very well so far this season, with some anglers reporting fish-a-chuck mixed nets of grayling, dace, roach and chublets.

John Moore broke his carp personal best with a dark-coloured mirror carp weighing 27lbs 15oz from Black Heath Lake at Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon.

12th June 2017

Result of Sunday's veterans match at Raskelf lake: 1st Bill Scott 40lb 8oz (F1 carp on method feeder), 2nd Eric Wright 32lb, 3rd Geoff Bass 28lb 6oz, 4th Fred Prudham 22lb 12oz, 5th Ian Graham 20lb 6oz.

Tickets for Sundays members' match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe are available from Simon on 01274 571175. Some pegs on the River Aire at Beal will also be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

A rod has been found in the lake at Raskelf, please contact the number above to arrange its return if this is yours.

On the carp fishing front, Richard Wood battled the wet and windy weather at Kirklees Lagoon last week and landed a 27lb 4oz fish, known as Apple Slice (picture attached).

5th June 2017

Nick Freer won the R.W.Naylor Memorial trophy in Sunday's officials match at Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon with ten tench up to 5lb 11oz for a total of 43lb 8oz. Second place went to Matt Foster who caught five tench up to 4lb 14oz for 18lb 12oz, followed by Simon Foster with three tench for 10lb 14oz.

Raskelf will be closed this Sunday for a veterans (over 60s) match, which will draw at the lake side at 9.30am. There are a few tickets remaining for this match from Simon on 01274 571175.

The coarse season on rivers reopens on June 16th, meaning that all waters will be open with no bait restrictions in place. The River Calder around Brighouse, the River Nidd at Cowthorpe and Nun Monkton and the River Swale at Maunby and Thornton Bridge are all worth a visit in the opening weeks. Tickets for the members match at Cowthorpe on June 18th are available from Simon on the number above or Tackle 2U in Bradford. With only a month to go until the start of this years Calder League, teams are now being filled. Anybody wishing to enter a team of 8 into this years series should contact Simon. 

The first junior match of the year will take place at Raskelf on Saturday June 24th, with entry free for members and plenty of prizes to be won. Please contact Simon to book a place. Membership remains available to purchase, and costs just £5 for the rest of the year for juniors.

22nd May 2017

Sunday's Pauling Cup members match on the Aire and Calder Canal at Beaver Bridge fished very hard with bites at a premium for most, despite promising catches midweek. Joint winners on the day were Dave Crawford (perch) and Simon Foster (skimmers and perch) with 5lbs, both fishing pole with either maggot or worm. Simon was drawn on one of the golden pegs so also took home the £235 kitty which had rolled over from last year.

Less than a week after being caught in the carp match by Justin Longbottom, the largest carp known to be in Knotford has again been caught, this time by bailiff James Tingle. The fish, nicknamed 'Dave' after a former member, weighed in at 31 lbs 12 oz, incredibly almost 2lbs more than when stocked in early February and 7oz more than it's capture 6 days earlier. This also means another change in leader for the Knotford Carp Cup and is Jimmy's 51st carp of the year from Knotford, which has included both of the new commons.

Junior member Tommy Lowrie has been rewarded with a new personal best common carp from Knotford, weighing 22lbs 11oz. There has also been good catches coming from Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon, including two tench over 6lbs for Greg Redmond.

15th May 2017

The carp match held at Knotford over the weekend was close run, with Justin Longbottom holding out to win the two main prizes. Justin's catch of four fish for a total of 67lbs 11oz included a new personal best and the biggest fish for the match, a 31lb 5oz common carp which also takes him into the lead for the Knotford Carp Cup for this year. Closely behind Justin was second placed James West, who also caught four carp for a total of 58lb 5oz, while third place went to Gary Walker with two carp for 47lb 13oz. The next carp match will be held at Knotford on September 23rd and 24th.

The Pauling Cup members' match will take place on the Aire and Calder Canal at Beaver Bridge this Sunday, drawing on the towpath at 9am. Tickets are available from Simon on 01274 571175 for £15.

8th May 2017

This weekend will host the first carp match of the year at Knotford, which will draw at 8.30am Saturday and be fished from 10am on Saturday until 4pm on Sunday. Prizes will include first, second and third prizes based on total weight as well as one for the biggest fish. The lake will be closed from 9pm on Friday until 5pm on Sunday. Any members willing to assist with weighing throughout the match would be most appreciated.

Tickets for the members match on the Aire and Calder Canal at Beaver Bridge on May 21st are available from Simon on 01274571175. The canal has been fishing very well over the past few weeks with nets of bream over 30lbs being caught from most stretches.

The net dip at Knotford is now in operation and all anglers fishing the lake are required to soak nets, slings and unhooking mats for 10 minutes prior to fishing. This is to protect all species of fish from disease. Anglers fishing other venues are advised to dry all equipment, in direct sunlight where possible, between fishing venues.

24th April 2017

Andy Jacques won the W.Backhouse Cup at Raskelf on Sunday with 18 F1 carp for 32lb 4oz. With the water temperature remaining cold, most of the better fish seem to be sticking to the weed beds, resulting in difficult fishing on the rest of the lake.

Members who have benefited from the three rod rule over the winter should note that this comes to end on Sunday until 1st September (Knotford only) or 1st November (all other waters), meaning that there is a 2 rod limit for anglers with a second rod permit. Members without the permit are limited to one rod only.

3rd April 2017

There have been good reports coming in from most of the clubs still waters over the last week, with various different species being caught up to a good size. At Gratrix Dam, anglers fishing either pole or waggler with maggot have been catching good nets of ide and chub up to around 4lbs. Bream are beginning to show on the main lake at Shelf Dam along with the usual nets of roach but perhaps the best catch of the week goes to Simon Hinchliffe who caught a perch well over 3lbs using a small roach as bait. Carp anglers at Knotford are continuing to see the quality fishing on offer, with Allan Allcock's linear carp weighing 17lbs 7oz and Ritchard Hill's 24lb fish among the best caught this week.

Members are asked to avoid fishing from the island on Black Heath Lake at the Queen Mary's ponds complex until birds have finished nesting on there.

28th March 2017

Graham Jackson became the first winner of the Ronald Hipwell Memorial Trophy as his forth placed finish in Sunday's final round of the Raskelf winter series clinched the series win. Graham's total of 135.5 points out of a possible 143 points over the four matches narrowly beat second placed Fred Prudham (131 points), while James Vickerman (119 points) claimed third place ahead of Simon Foster (107 points). The final round was won by Michal Wasilewski, who caught 28lbs 8oz of F1 carp on feeder.

Warmer temperatures over recent weeks has seen fish come onto the feed at Knotford, with bream and carp being caught in good numbers. James Tingle's session over the weekend resulted in three carp over 20lbs, including the first capture of one of the newly stocked fish at 29lbs 14oz, an early leader for the Knotford Carp Cup.

Please could all anglers fishing for carp in particular ensure that they are using 'safe rigs' with leads that detach upon a take. These are extremely valuable fish, hopefully for future generations to enjoy, but fish being left trailing leads could prove fatal. If in doubt, please ask on our Facebook page or other anglers on the bank, most of whom will be more than willing to share advice. There is also a huge amount of information available online or on angling DVDs on best practice when creating rigs.

13th March 2017

The coarse season on rivers comes to a close on Tuesday (14th) following what has been a very successful year on many of the club's waters as the regions rivers recovered quickly from last winters flooding. The summer saw large numbers of small fish on most rivers along with barbel into double figures and good catches of trout and grayling. River levels have remained relatively low for long periods through the winter months which has resulted in great catches of chub to over 7lbs and barbel on the Nidd and Swale as well as pike over 10lbs on many stretches.

The trout season on selected rivers reopens on March 25th with bait bans in place, while the coarse season opens on June 16th. Still waters remain open all year round.

James Vickerman's four chub for 14lbs 11oz topped the 45 angler field on the final open match of the season on Sunday on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe.The next match will be the final round of the Raskelf Winter Series on March 26th. 

13th February 2017

Knotford Lagoon has been boosted with the stocking of two common carp around 30lbs. The biggest weighed in at 31lbs 8oz and both are under 10 years old, meaning that there is plenty of scope for future growth. The fish were supplied by Fishers Pond Fisheries, who are noted as producing many of the largest fish in the country, and have been microchipped to prevent theft. See gallery page 36 for pictures.

6th February 2017

There is due to be a couple of very special arrivals to Knotford this Thursday. Members are welcome to attend and witness their introduction.

A slight alteration has been made to the clubs match calendar for 2017/18. The open match on November 12th 2017 will now be held on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe and the open match on January 14th 2018 will be held on the River Swale at Topcliffe and Catton.

Following last years successful event, the club will hold two 24-hour carp matches at Knotford in 2017. The matches will take place on the weekends of May 13-14 and September 23-24, with places limited and available on the clubs Facebook page or from Steve on 07890784144. Very few tickets remain for these matches.

1st February 2017

Annual night permits for Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon have now sold out for 2017. For any members who missed out but still want to night fish Knotford, weekend night permits are available on the subscriptions page for a weekend of your choice. All other memberships are still available for renewal and for new members from the usual outlets.

30th January 2017

An overnight frost meant that a frozen lake greeted the 34 anglers on Sunday's second round of the Raskelf Winter Series. After breaking enough ice to fish, the match went ahead and was won by Graham Jackson on one of the few clear pegs with 20 F1 carp on feeder for 21lbs 1oz.

Widdington Hall will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

The next open match will take place on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe on February 12th. Entry is £15 and tickets are available from Simon on 01274 571175.

2016 night permit holders have until tomorrow to renew, before remaining permits go on general sale on Wednesday morning.

Membership is still available for renewal or new members on the subscriptions page.

16th December 2016

2017 Membership is now available on the subscriptions page. Note Night Permits for those that had one for 2016 are available to collect from the ticket and licence secretary upon appointment. Any remaining night permits will be available to the general membership from 1st February 2017.

This winters restocking program began on Monday with the stocking of 300 barbel and 500 chub into the River Nidd at Cowthorpe and the River Calder near Brighouse. All of the fish are between 8 and 10 inch and bred specifically for rivers. Anglers are asked to take extra care when handling these fish. Further restocking of our still waters are hoped to take place later this winter.

Simon Foster followed his win in last weeks opening round of the Raskelf Winter Series with another victory in Sunday's Daily Mirror Cup open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe. The milder temperatures contributed to a good match with the majority of anglers managing catches of chub or barbel, including Simon's catch of two barbel and four chub on stick float and maggot for a total weight of 23lbs 6oz.

5th December 2016

Following the lake being frozen for most of the week prior to the match, carp were hard to come by for the 35 anglers fishing the opening round of the Raskelf Winter Series on Sunday. Simon Foster won the match to pick up the maximum 35 points with 8 f1 carp for 10lbs 2oz. Second place and 34 points went to Fred Prudham with 7lbs 2oz while Graham Jackson and Dawid Moska claimed 32.5 points and joint third place with 6lbs 2oz. Simon Freer caught an unexpected four tench, despite the freezing water temperature, for most of his 4lbs 14.5oz fifth place catch. The next round will take place on January 29th.

Tickets for this Sundays open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe are available from Simon on 01274 571175. Entry is £15 and the draw will take place on the roadside at 9am.

The match calendar for 2017 can now be found on the match results webpage. There will be open matches at Roecliffe and Cowthorpe, the usual Lower Aire Championship and Calder Championship, as well as members matches on the Aire and Calder Canal, Beal, Cowthorpe and Raskelf. After the success of the first carp match at Knotford this year, next year there will be two taking place, one in May and one in September.

29th November 2016

Thank you to all members who attended this years AGM where two propositions were passed, the first being a new rule regarding dipping nets and the second an alteration to the current rule about the use of three rods. The committee was once again filled, with more volunteers than available places, and we welcome Kevin Greenwood to the general committee, while Paul Hopkins has become a vice chairman. £76.35 was raised on the night towards next years junior matches.

Raskelf Lake will be closed on Sunday for the opening round of this years Winter Series, which will draw lakeside at 9am. Thanks go to the Hipwell family for donating the Ronald Hipwell Memorial Trophy which will be awarded to the series winner in memory of the former club president.

Membership for 2017 will be available to purchase from all the usual agents just before Christmas. Basic membership prices will be unchanged from this year, with a small increase in the cost of night permits for Knotford and Kirklees to finance the ongoing improvements at both venues.

Bradford No1 polo shirts, hoodies and hats are all available to purchase on our online shop, with most sizes available for delivery before Christmas.

3rd October 2016

Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for the Spenborough Guardian Trophy, the last members match of the year. It's all to fish for on the aggregate weight going into this final match as Geoff Cox leads with 63lbs 10oz, ahead of James Vickerman (59lbs 8.5oz) and Billy Scott (50lbs 1oz). The draw will take place at 9.15am at the lakeside and is a sell out.

Members are again invited to attend this years AGM, which will take place on Wednesday 12th at 7.30pm at the Moorlands Club in Cleckheaton. This is your opportunity to have a say on how the club is run and stand for the committee for next year (or elect a committee to run the club on your behalf), as well as the annual presentation of the clubs trophies. There will be a free pie and pea supper for all who attend and a chance to purchase club embroidered clothing. Full details are in the yearbook, which is required to be shown upon entry to the meeting.

All membership classes, including the joining fee, for the remainder of 2016 is now half price so senior membership costs just £24. This is available to purchase on the subscription page or from Simon Freer on 07714662783.

26th September 2016

Daz Taylor won the final round of this years Calder League as he helped his Punky's 8 teammates to clinch match and series victories. Daz caught 6 bream on feeder and maggot for 25lbs 3oz, ahead of Andy Bradley (Willy Worms) who caught a 17lbs 7.5oz mixed net of roach, perch, bream and ide. Punky's 8 clinched the series crown with their forth team win of the series to take their total to an impressive 46 points out of a possible 48, 11.5 points ahead of nearest rivals Mirfield. Geoff Scollick (Calder 8) won the individual aggregate weight for the series with 105lbs 5oz, while Mick Hughes (Punky's 8) finished second with 91bs 6oz and Steve Clegg (Punky's 8) third with 80lbs 11oz.

The trout season on rivers closes on Friday night until 24th March so anglers should not purposefully target these fish. 

19th September 2016

Craig Turbitt was crowned Calder Champion 2016 on Sunday with 13lbs 11oz of roach and perch to take home the £650 first prize. Fishing proved difficult for many of the 75 anglers taking part with bright sunshine and a low and clear river meaning bites were at a premium. Placings: 2nd Darryl Taylor 10lbs 8oz, 3rd Steve Clegg 10lbs 6oz, 4th Brett Clarke 9lbs 15oz, 5th Nick Chaffer 9lbs 4oz, 6th Paul McMillan 9lbs 1oz.

The final round of this years Calder League will take place this Sunday, drawing at the Railway Inn at 9am. Punky's 8 look set to claim their first series win in five years with a lead of 7.5 points on second placed Mirfield and only 8 points to fish for.

This years AGM will take place on October 12th and all members are invited. Next years committee will be voted in at this meeting, along with the discussion and voting on any proposed rule changes and the presentation of trophies, including the new Carp Cups. There will be a free pie and pea supper for all who attend and full details are in the yearbook, which is required on attendance.

12th September 2016

Despite the lakes fishing well in the build up to the match, very few fish were caught in the members match at Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon. Result: 1st James Vickerman 5lbs 12oz (1 bream + perch), 2nd Bob Newby 4lbs 6oz (1 tench + perch), 3rd Billy Scott 4lbs (1 tench). Going into the final match at Raskelf, Geoff Cox leads the aggregate weight with 63lbs 10oz with James Vickerman second with 59lbs 8.5oz and Billy Scott third with 50lbs 1oz.

This Sunday's Calder Championship open match in Brighouse is heading towards a large turnout competing the £500 first prize. Tickets are available for £15 from Simon on 01274 571175 and the draw will take place at 9am at the Railway Inn in Brighouse. All of the clubs stretches of the River Calder will be closed for this match. The River Ure at Roecliffe will also be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

5th September 2016

Mirfield claimed their first win of the series in round five of the Calder League with a total of 50 points, just one ahead of Punky's 8, as team members Martin Highe and Paul Clark finished first and second individually. With one match remaining Punky's 8 are all but confirmed as series winners with 38 points, ahead of Mirfield on 30.5 points, while Geoff Scollick leads the aggregate weight with 98lbs 13oz. The final match will be on September 25th.

Beal will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking. There are a few tickets available for this Sundays members match at Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon from Simon on 01274 571175. The draw will take place in the farm car park at 9am. Tickets for the Calder Championships on September 18th are also available from Simon for £15.

Any proposals for this years annual general meeting must be with the secretary by September 12th. The meeting takes place on October 12th and all members are invited to attend.

Anglers at Knotford are continuing impressive catches of carp, with many of the new VS fish now being landed over 20lbs. Bailiff James Tingle caught nine carp in a session over the weekend which included a fish of 25lbs 1oz which was stocked in early 2010 at 8lbs.

29th August 2016

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for round 5 of the Calder League. Punky's 8 lead the series with 31 points, 8.5 points ahead of Mirfield. The Old Hee stretch at Beal will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

Tickets are available for the Calder Championship on September 18th from Simon on 01274 571175 and cost £15. The match carries a guaranteed first prize of £500 and a big turnout is expected.

Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon are fishing very well with numerous catches of tench over 4lbs and bream over 6lbs in recent weeks. One of the local bailiffs has also reported the capture of two mirror carp over 26lbs, thought to be the largest in the lakes, as well as a number of the new stock of carp showing excellent weight gains to over 12lbs.

Anglers at Chellow Dene have been rewarded with good nets of skimmer bream, roach and perch, while Darek Paczkowski has caught a small catfish from the lake this week.

22nd August 2016

The windy conditions made it difficult fishing for the 87 anglers competing the Lower Aire Championship at Beal on Sunday, although the match still produced 15 double figure weights. Bobby Lee won the match with 21lbs 8oz of bream caught on feeder from the Bradford Wood Holmes stretch, which proved to be the best stretch on the day. Placings: 2nd Phil Austin 19lbs 6oz, 3rd Dean Grace 19lbs 4oz, 4th Ricky Gaunt 17lbs 11oz, 5th Mick Wood 16lbs 13oz, 6th Glenn Lawrence 15lbs 15oz.

Beal will be closed on Saturday for a Feeder Masters qualifier. Tickets are now available for the Calder Championships, which carries a first prize of £500, on September 18th from Simon on 01274 571175.

Any proposals for this years AGM, which will take place on October 12th, must be with the secretary at least a month before the meeting. As always, any members willing to volunteer to assist with the day to day running of the club are invited to stand for the committee at this meeting.

15th August

Bradford No1's James Vickerman won round four of the Calder League with 6 chub on stick float and maggot for 20lbs 12oz. Placings: 2nd Simon Foster (Bradford No1 AA) 15lbs 6oz, 3rd David Armitage (Punky's 8) 15lbs 4oz, joint 4th Stuart Thompson (Calder 8) and Steve Clegg (Punky's 8) 14lbs 4oz. There were 25 double figure weights recorded. The winning team on the day with 46 points were Punky's 8, who lead the series with 31 points, ahead of Mirfield (22.5 points) and Drennan Barnsley (21 points). The next round will take place on September 4th.

All of the River Aire at Beal will be closed this Sunday for the Lower Aire Championships open match. Tickets for this match, run jointly with Leeds DASA, are available from Simon on 01274 571175.

8th August

James Vickerman won the A. Phillips Memorial Trophy on the River Swale at Maunby with over 100 chublets, dace and grayling for 13lbs 10oz in very windy conditions. Placings: 2nd Billy Scott 9lbs 8oz (chublets and dace), 3rd John Leyland 8lbs 12oz (2 chub), 4th Simon Foster 7lbs 12oz, 5th Ian Newby 7lbs 10oz. The win moves James into second in the aggregate weight with 53lbs 12.5oz, behind Geoff Cox who has 63lbs 3oz with two matches remaining.

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for the forth round of the Calder League. The Old Hee stretch at Beal will be closed on Wednesday for an outside booking. Tickets for the Lower Aire Championship on August 21st, run jointly with Leeds DASA, are available from Simon on 01274 571175.

Michelle Thompson caught a fish of a lifetime this week from the clubs stretches of the River Nidd with a barbel weighing 12lbs 2oz. The fish was followed up with a chub and another barbel weighing 4lbs, all on bomb and meat with 8lbs line.

The River Calder is produce good mixed catches from most sections. Kris Clark fished on River Street this week and caught a mixed bag of almost 17lbs which included trout, perch, roach and a bream.

1st August

Calder 8 captain Geoff Scollick won the third round of the Calder League on Sunday with 38lbs 12oz of chub, in a match which produced an impressive 25 double figure weights out of 56 anglers. Placings: 2nd Steve Newns (Punky's 8) 23lbs 2oz, 3rd Steve Raper (Mirfield) 22lbs 9oz, 4th Mick Hughes (Punky's 8) 22lbs 5oz. Punky's 8 romped to team victory on the day with 53 points, with Mirfield in second place with 40.5 points. Geoff leads the aggregate weight with 71lbs 15oz. The next round will take place on August 14th.

Harry and Nick Michael completed a clean sweep of this years junior matches at Raskelf as Harry won the under 11s with 25lbs 8oz (which included a 5lbs 5oz F1 carp), while Nick won the over 11s with 26lbs 4oz on his way to smashing the aggregate weight record with 92lbs 5oz.

The River Swale at Maunby will be closed on Sunday for a members match, with tickets available from Simon on 01274 571175. Gatenby will also be closed on Sunday. Tickets for the Lower Aire Championship at Beal and Birkin on August 21st are also available from Simon.

Anybody with a club trophy is asked to return it to the match secretary by the end of this month for engraving and redistribution at the AGM.

Following an outbreak of KHV disease at a local lake, anglers are reminded of the importance to dry all nets, slings and unhooking mats completely in direct sunlight between fishing venues and to use net dips where available.

27th June 2016

Sixteen year old Nick Michael (gallery pic 39) produced a pole fishing masterclass in Saturdays junior match at Raskelf as he more than doubled the previous match record with 66lbs 1oz of F1 carp in three and a half hours. Nick's nine year old brother Harry also fished outstandingly to claim a new record for the under 11 section with 34lbs 4oz.

Beal will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking. Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for the opening round of the Calder League, which draws at the Railway Inn at 9am. Tickets for the members match at Nun Monkton on July 10th are available from Simon on 01274 571175.

There are works ongoing on the River Swale at Maunby to repair flood banks so there may be some disruption to anglers during the week.

The underwater footage filmed by Beneath British Waters at Knotford can be seen on the gallery. Although storms caused a reduction in visibility, pike, tench, roach, perch and carp can all be seen.

14th June 2016

There will be a working party at Knotford on Saturday from 9am to improve pegs and the path around the lake. The lake will be closed to fishing during the morning while Beneath British Waters film underwater footage.

The River Nidd at Cowthorpe will be closed on Sunday for a members match, with tickets available from Simon on 01274 571175. The River Ure at Roecliffe will also be closed on Sunday for an outside booking. The River Aire at Beal will be closed on Saturday.

The river coarse season opens on Thursday and as always we'd like to hear your catch results from club waters, either on our Facebook page or by email to ask_us@bradfordno1.com.

23rd May 2016

Places on this years junior matches, which take place on Saturday June 25th and July 23rd at Raskelf Lake, are available from Simon on 01274 571175 with entry free for junior members. Junior membership for 2016 costs just £5.

With the coarse season on rivers fast approaching, extended hours permits are available for £20 allowing members to fish until 11.30pm in summer and 10pm in winter on eight different stretches of river.

10th May 2016

PB Angling in Dewsbury have been added to our list of tackle shop agents to sell membership to new and existing members with immediate effect. This is as a replacement for the now closed Grahams Fishing Tackle.

2nd May 2016

Fishing was difficult for the 26 anglers competing the clubs first carp match at Knotford this weekend following the weeks cold weather and snow. Match organiser James Tingle won the match with 2 carp for 24lbs 11oz, just ahead of Kevin Greenwood who also managed 2 carp for 21lbs. Third place went to Douglas Hill with a 13lbs 8oz carp, followed by Adam Wakefield with a 12lbs 8oz carp. Also caught on the match was an eel over 5lbs by Jamie Place, as well as a couple of tench and bream to other anglers.

25th April 2016

Annual night permits for Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon are now sold out but members can obtain weekend night permits for a weekend of your choice from the subscriptions page.

18th April 2016

Raskelf Lake will be closed on Sunday for the first members match of the year, which will draw at the lakeside at 9am. This match is sold out, as are the final two matches of the series at Queen Mary's Ponds and Raskelf in September and October. The road at Thornton Bridge is finally reopen for easier access to Raskelf.

Kirklees Lagoon will be closed on the morning of Sunday 8th May for some underwater footage to be filmed. The videos are expected to be available on the clubs website and social media platforms once we have them. There will also be a work party at Shelf Dam on the same day and any volunteers would be greatly appreciated.

11th April 2016

The clubs first 24 hour carp only members match will be held at Knotford from 10am on Saturday 30th April. Tickets are available for £15 from James on 07786743302 and the draw will take place at 8am. A maximum of 2 rods can be used at any time on this match and surface fishing is not permitted. The lake will be closed to night permit holders on the night prior to the match.

21st March 2016

James Vickerman claimed his second Raskelf Winter Series title by winning the final match with 59lbs 6oz of F1 carp on method feeder. The match win took his points tally for the series to 113, while just half a point separated second placed Steve Hodson (105 points) and third placed Stuart Tate (104.5 points).  The next match will be the members match at Raskelf on April 24th, which is already sold out and a waiting list in place.

The last couple of night permits for Knotford and Kirklees remain, and these are available to purchase on the subscriptions page. Membership remains available for new and old members to purchase online or from most local tackle shops.

The trout season on river begins on Friday so all the river stretches listed in the yearbook as 'Trout and Mixed Fisheries' will reopen with the only baits allowed to be used being fly, minnow, worm or artificial lure. All stillwaters and canals remain open as usual with no bait bans in place.

14th March 2016

Thank you to all who attended the working party at Kirklees Lagoon with Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police. The path from the lay-by to the river and lake has been cleared in preparation for the councils planned work to create a gravel path for anglers. More working parties are expected in the coming months and dates will be released as soon as they are confirmed.

Howard Foster won the final open match of the season at Cowthorpe on the River Nidd with 11lbs 11oz, which included a 5lbs 12oz chub. He narrowly beat Alan Grandidge who caught a barbel weighing 9lbs exactly as part of his 11lbs 4oz catch and also lost a larger barbel at the net. Third place went to John Leyland who caught two chub for 9lbs, while Alan Miller caught two smaller chub for 6lbs 1oz and there were also a number of single chub catches.

Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for the final round of the Winter Series, which draws at the Golden Lion in Helperby at 9am. James Vickerman leads the series with 79 points and just 12 points separating the top twelve anglers.

The river season is now closed until 25th March for trout or 16th June for coarse fish.

8th February 2016

Tickets are still available for this Sundays open match on the River Swale at Maunby and Catton from Simon on 01274 571175. The draw will take place on the bank at Maunby at 9.15am, if the river is fishable. Widdington Hall will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

There are roadworks planned for Thornton Bridge from next Monday, meaning the road will be completely closed for the next 6 weeks. Members who use this route to travel to the river or Raskelf lake, including for the next winter series match, are advised to find an alternate route.

The club are continuing to work with Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police to find a solution to the protracted issues at Kirklees Lagoon. As part of this partnership, there will be a 'clean up' day at the venue on March 5th to remove a number of trees and branches near the path to the lake. Work is planned to commence at 1pm and any anglers who can volunteer their time to assist would be greatly appreciated.

A small number of night permits remain available for Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon from the ticket and licence secretary or online.

As usual, the club is interested to here from any member willing to bailiff any of our stretches of river. Please contact either of the head bailiffs (phone numbers are in the yearbook) or email ask_us@bradfordno1.com for more information.

1st February 2016

Despite bites being hard to come by for many of the 37 anglers, James Vickerman won round two of the Raskelf Winter Series with an impressive catch of F1 carp weighing 43lbs 7oz on groundbait feeder and maggot. Result: 2nd Ian Newby 36lbs 10oz (F1 carp on feeder and maggot), 3rd Graham Jackson 23lbs 12oz (F1 carp), 4th Ricky Malone 12lbs 12oz (F1 carp) and 5th John Walsh 12lbs 2oz (ide). The next round will take place on February 28th. Widdington Hall will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.
Tickets are available for the open match on the River Swale at Maunby on February 14th from Simon on 01274 571175. This match will be a good opportunity for anglers competing in the RSPS Team Masters the following week to practice on the river. Anybody wishing to fish in the Team Masters for the Bradford No1 team should contact Simon on the number above.

Members visiting Knotford require a key for the main gate due to persistent vandalism. Anybody caught vandalising club property will be reported to the police.

Anglers fishing at Shelf Dam have reported good catches of bream to over 4lbs fishing pole and maggot, along with the usual nets of roach, ide and perch.

25th January 2016

Raskelf Lake will be closed on Sunday for round 2 of the winter series - which will draw at the Golden Lion in Helperby at 9.15am. Widdington Hall will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

Members fishing at Knotford should note that details on obtaining a key for the gate can be found on page 19 of your yearbook. Please include a large stamp due to the size of the keys.

If anyone has found a set of bite alarms at Kirklees please email ask_us@bradfordno1.com to organise the return to the owner. There is a £100 reward for their return.

20th January 2016

Due to planned maintenance works on the road at Thornton Bridge, the open match on the River Swale on February 14th 2016 will now be fished at Maunby, Catton and possibly Topcliffe (depending on number of competitors). The draw will take place on the bank at Maunby at 9.15am. Tickets will cost £15 and can be booked through Simon on 01274 571175. With the RSPS Team Masters match the following Saturday this is an opportunity to practice on the river before the big match.

11th January 2016

The open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe on Sunday (10th January) was cancelled due to the river carrying over 12 feet of extra water. 

If the forecast dry spell is correct, river levels should drop to somewhere near normal levels over the coming weeks, the first time in over 2 months on many of our waters. Care should be taken when visiting waters once the levels have dropped as banks will remain dangerous in parts and may have eroded. Please report any serious damage to the club through ask_us@bradfordno1.com so that action can be taken where required. 

Any members willing to bailiff on the River Calder are asked to contact head bailiff Paul Hopkins. 

The new lock at Knotford will be put in place within the next couple of weeks, details of which are on page 19 of the yearbook.

28th December 2015

The club would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of Todd Carruthers, who sadly passed away last week. Todd was a life member of the association having served on the committee in various roles over many years.

Rivers levels will continue to be high this weekend, as they have for around 2 months now, so care should be taken.

Tickets are available for the open match at Cowthorpe on the River Nidd on January 10th from Simon on 01274 571175.

A number of stockings have already taken place on our waters this winter, including stockings of F1s and ide between 6 and 8 inch to boost winter catch rates at Raskelf lake. Last years stockings of Black Heath lake at Ripon and Kirklees Lagoon have been followed up with a further stocking of C4 carp between 8 and 10 pounds in both lakes, while coarse anglers at Kirklees have also received a stocking of crucian carp.

14th December 2015

2016 Memberships is now available on line. Click the Subscriptions link and follow the instructions.

10th December 2015

The open match at Cowthorpe this Sunday (13th December) has been cancelled due to the river being in flood. As of Thursday evening there is over 10 foot in the river with more heavy rain forecast for Saturday so the river will not be fishable.

7th December 2015

Paul Royston won the opening round of this years Raskelf winter series with 45 f1s on method feeder and pellet for 30lbs 2oz and the maximum 33 points. Graham Jackson came a close second to take 32 points with 26lbs of F1s on pole and corn, followed by James Vickerman (22lbs), Eric Wright (17lbs 12oz) and Simon Foster (17lbs 8oz). The next round will take place on January 31st. Tickets can be booked for this Sunday’s open match at Cowthorpe from Simon on 01274 571175, with the match expected to go ahead if the river levels recover in time. 

Please could the two members who expressed an interest in bailiffing at Cowthorpe contact the head bailiff Dave Moore. 

Members are reminded to close the gates on all our waters, particularly those with otter fences. The full match program for 2016 can now be found on the match results page, with three new competitions taking place this year along with more than 30 matches.

1st December 2015

This years Raskelf winter series begins this Sunday and a couple of tickets are available from Simon 01274 571175. The draw for the match will take place at the Golden Lion in Helperby at 9am. Tickets are also available for the open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe on December 13th from Simon. 

Club merchandise is still available to purchase from the online shop in time for Christmas. 

The forecasters are expecting river levels to be high once again this weekend so anglers should take care when fishing on club waters. Knotford is continuing to produce catches of carp despite the colder temperatures. Second rod permit holders can now fish three rods until 30th April.

16th November

Following the recent high water levels which have affected all of the clubs river stretches and some still waters, members are reminded to take care when fishing on slippery banks and avoid potentially deep mud. If anyone spots fish trapped in puddles in fields as the water levels drop, please contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800807060. 

The match committee have decided to trial the banning of deadbaits in all club matches from 2016. Pike will continue to be allowed to be weighed in but must be caught using other methods. 

A new lock will be in place at Knotford from January 1st with a key required to be purchased from the ticket and licence secretary for a cost a £5, plus a deposit of £10 which will be refunded if the key is returned to the club. 

Widdington Hall will be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

9th November

The open match on the River Swale at Thornton Bridge and Maunby was cancelled due to the river being in flood. The Raskelf Winter Series is now sold out but the lake is continuing to fish very well, particularly at the deeper end for F1 carp. 

We will be running two inaugural carp cup competitions from 2016. These will be split, one for Kirklees Lagoon and one for Knotford Lagoon, and awarded to the angler who catches the biggest carp in the year prior to each AGM from each water. More details will follow in the coming weeks on how to submit catches for these awards, along with details of the clubs first carp match at Knotford in 2016. 

We are once again on the look out for volunteers willing to become bailiffs on the clubs river stretches. Any members willing to give up a couple of hours of their time to help benefit a water and the club by becoming a bailiff should contact either of the head bailiffs, whose phone numbers are in the yearbook. 

5th October

Congratulations to James Vickerman who completed a number of achievements in the final members’ match of the year at Raskelf on Sunday. James’ caught 39lbs 15oz of F1 carp of method feeder to claim his hat-trick of match wins from this years seven match series following wins at Nun Monkton and Cowthorpe and was enough to clinch the aggregate weight winner title for a third time with a new club record weight of 108lbs 9.5oz. His final match weight was enough to overtake Bob Newby, who had lead since the opening match and finished second overall with 95lbs 2oz, while Ian Newby finished third with 61lbs 13.5oz. Matt Foster’s catch of 15 F1s for 22lbs 12oz took second place in Sunday’s match ahead of John Walsh (19lbs 14oz), Andy Jacques (14lbs 6oz) and Pete Wilson (13lbs).

1st October

Membership now available at half price! Follow the link to the Subscriptions page for full details and price list.

28th September

Bradford No1’s Simon Foster won the final round of this years Calder League with 77 grayling from Lillands for a weight of 19lbs. Other results: 2nd C Turbitt (Calder 8) 17lbs 2oz, 3rd M Hughes (Punky’s 8) 16lbs 10oz, 4th D Hardy (Bradford No1) 16lbs 1oz, 5th A Fox (Bradford No1) 16lbs. Punky’s 8 won the team competition on the day with 43 points to take their total for the series to 28.5 points but this was only enough to finish joint second with Mirfield while Calder 8, second on the day with 42 points, claimed the series win with 32 points. Steve Newns won the individual series aggregate weight with 95lbs 1oz from the six matches, ahead of second placed Nick Chaffer (84lbs 10oz) and third placed Dave Armitage (82lbs 9oz).

Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for the final members match of the year, which will draw at the lakeside at 9.15am. Bob Newby leads the aggregate weight going into this match with 85lbs 15oz.

Membership for the remainder of this year will be half price from Thursday (1st Oct) meaning that junior membership will cost just £2.50 and will be available online. The trout season closes on Thursday (1st Oct) meaning that anglers should not purposefully target these fish.

21st September

Congratulations to Martin Highe who is Calder Champion for a second time with a weight of 15lbs 14oz. Martin beat the 75 angler field with his catch of perch on waggler and maggot from River Street to pick up the £600 first prize, twenty four year after his first success in the competition. Second place went to Dave Hardy with a 12lbs 10oz catch from Lillands Farm, while Matt Foster caught 20 grayling for 12lbs 8oz from Corn Mill for third place. Other results: 4th C Turbitt 11lbs 12oz, 5th P Close 11lbs 6oz, joint 6th G Lawrence and R Reynolds 11lbs 2oz, 8th S Thompson 10lbs 10oz. 

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed again this Sunday for the final round of the Calder League. Howsham Wood and Beal will be closed on Saturday for outside bookings. 

This years AGM will take place on October 14th and all members are invited to attend to have their say on club matters, including voting on possible rule changes and electing committee members, and for the prize presentation. Yearbooks must be shown on the door to gain entry.

7th September 2015

The River Calder continued its impressive form in round five of the Calder League, which was won by Calder 8’s Nick Chaffer with 22lbs 4oz of chub and grayling from the Corn Mill section. Mirfield won the team competition on the day with 41 points to take them to first overall with 26.5 points, just half a point ahead of Calder 8 going into the final match. Steve Newns is leading the aggregate weight for the series with 85lbs 10oz, narrowly ahead of Nick Chaffer (81lbs 2oz) and Steve Raper (74lbs 4oz). 

Tickets are still available for the Calder Championship on September 20th from Simon on 01274 571175. There is a guaranteed first prize of at least £500 for this match. 

Cowthorpe will be closed on Sunday for a members’ match which will draw on the roadside at 9.15am. Roecliffe will also be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

This years annual general meeting will take place on October 14th and any propositions must be submitted to the secretary at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

Members are reminded that a second rod permit is required to fish two rods on any club water and three rods are only allowed between 1st December and 1st March. Milby Cut Canal is producing good catches of roach on pole and maggot. Queen Mary’s Ponds is also fishing very well for tench, with one angler catching an impressive 20 tench around 4lbs in a four hour session. 

24th August

Paul Clarke won Sunday’s Lower Aire Championships at Beal and Chapel Haddlesey with a net of bream weighing 18lbs 12oz. Last years winner Martin Highe caught an 8lbs bream as part of his 16lbs catch which earned him second place out of the 81 anglers competing. Other results: 3rd S Raper 15lbs 3oz, 4th J Cyrowski 11lbs 14oz, 5th C Hardy 11lbs 10oz. 

Tickets are now available for the Calder Championship on September 20th - which has a £500 first prize - from Simon on 01274 571175.

10th August

Simon Freer won the members’ match at Queen Mary’s Ponds with two tench for 9lbs 2oz from the figure of eight lake. Other results: 2nd Alan Sugden 8lbs 12oz (2 tench), 3rd Simon Foster 6lbs 6oz (2 tench), 4th Geoff Cox 5lbs 4oz (2 tench). Bob Newby is leading the aggregate weight with two matches remaining with 81lbs 3oz, followed by Eric Wright with 61lbs 9oz and James Vickerman with 50lbs 15.5oz. The next members’ match will be at Cowthorpe on September 13th. Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for round 4 of the Calder League, which draws at the Railway Inn at 9am. 

Please could anybody with a club trophy return it to Simon as soon as possible for engraving. 

Any member willing to volunteer as a bailiff on club waters, particularly river stretches, are asked to contact the head bailiff.

3rd August

The River Calder continued its impressive form in round three of the Calder League with 22 double figure weights from the 59 anglers and an average weight of almost 10lbs per man. Mirfield angler Steve Raper won the match with 14 chub for 40lbs 11oz on float and maggot from the Corn mill section while Dave Armitage finished second with 20lbs 5oz. Other results: 3rd Andy Bradley 18lbs 8oz, 4th Nick Chaffer 17lbs 12oz, 5th Arthur Benstead 16lbs 2oz. Calder 8 were the winning team on the day with 40 points, two ahead of Drennan Barnsley on 38 points. The next round will take place on August 16th. 

Sunday’s members’ match at Queen Mary’s ponds in Ripon will draw by the farm at 9.15am. Tickets are now available for the Lower Aire Championship open match at Beal on August 23rd from Simon on 01274 571175. 

Membership for the remainder of the year is now only available to purchase online or from the ticket and licence secretary Simon Freer on 01706 526356. 

Anglers are reminded to ensure all nets and unhooking mats are dried in direct sunlight between fishing different venues to avoid the spread of disease. 

Members are advised that we do still have fishing rights on the ‘island’ at Howsham Wood on the River Derwent, despite what some locals suggest.

27th July 2015

19th July 2015

David Armitage won the second round of the Calder League with an impressive net of bream weighing 34lbs 2oz. Second place went to David’s Punky’s 8 teammate Steve Newns with 33lbs 2oz of chub, while Pete Baron caught 23lbs 5oz for third place. Bradford No1 and Punky’s 8 took joint top place overall with 39 points, just 4 points ahead of Mirfield. 

There will be a junior match on Saturday at Raskelf, with free entry for junior members and places available from Simon on 01274 571175. Howsham Wood will be closed on Sunday for a committee match, which draws at 10am, while Gatenby will be closed on Saturday for an RSPS match.

6th July 2015

Mirfield angler Martin Highe won the opening round of this years Calder League with a catch of 30lbs 2oz on float and maggot from Lillands Farm. Nick Chaffer - whose Calder 8 team won on the day with 43 points - finished second with 27lbs 14oz also from Lillands, while Steve Newns caught 21lbs 15oz for third place. The Willy Worms team claimed second place on the day with 34 points, closely followed by Bradford No1 on 33 points. The next round will take place on July 19th. Nun Monkton will be closed on Sunday for a members’ match, which draws in the car park at 9.15am. 

Raskelf is continuing to fish very well for F1 carp and skimmer bream on meat or maggot. Members fishing Knotford are continuing to report good catches of carp, bream and tench. 

29th June 2015

Sam Taylor won the junior match at Raskelf with an impressive 26lbs 4oz of F1 carp on waggler and maggot in the three and a half hour match. Morgan Freer caught 20lbs 6oz for second place on the day, while Kara Sugden caught 14lbs. The under 11’s competition was won for the second year running by Reece Harrison with 14lbs 8oz, and Evan Thornton caught 11lbs 8oz. The next junior match will take place on Saturday 25th July, also at Raskelf. 

Andy Fox caught 70lbs of F1’s on method feeder to win Sunday’s committee match at Raskelf. Other results: 2nd Paul Hopkins 51lbs 14oz, 3rd Simon Freer 47lbs 7oz, 4th Matt Foster 37lbs 2oz. Nick Freer won the biggest fish trophy with a tench weighing 4lbs 10oz. 

This years’ Calder League begins this Sunday, meaning that some of the clubs stretches of the River Calder will be closed. The match will draw at the Railway Inn, Brighouse, at 9am. Beal will be closed on Wednesday 8th for an outside booking. 

22nd June 2015

Sunday’s members’ match at Cowthorpe was won by Paul Royston who caught four barbel for 20lbs 4oz on ledgered meat. Second place went to Pete Vickerman with 13lbs 12oz, followed by Ian Newby (2 barbel for 11lbs 9oz), Mick Whalley (3 chub for 10lbs 14oz) and James Vickerman (10lbs 11oz). The next members’ match will be at Nun Monkton on July 12th, with tickets available from Simon on 01274 571175. 

The first junior match of the year will be at Raskelf on Saturday, with entry free for junior members and plenty of prizes available to be won. Please could Reece Harrison or his family contact Simon on the number above regarding the tiddler trophy. Raskelf will also be closed on Sunday for the committee match which draws at 9.30am. Anybody wishing to enter a team of eight into this years Calder League - which begins on July 5th - should also contact Simon.

12th June 2015

With the coarse season on rivers fast approaching, members can get 10% off club polo shirts and baseball caps on the online shop for the next two weeks. Just click the 'Shop' link on the left hand side of this page to purchase these and other items of club merchandise.

8th June 2015

Four tench for 17lbs 9oz caught by Howard Foster won the committee match at Ripon in bright conditions. Simon Foster caught 11lbs 13oz - which included an 8lbs bream- for second place while Simon Freer’s two tench for 7lbs 14oz took third place and a single tench weighing 5lbs 9oz won fourth place for Ian Bradley. 

Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for the veterans match, which has tickets still available from Simon on 01274 571175 and draws at 9.30am. The first of this years junior matches is on Saturday 27th June at Raskelf Lake, with entry free for junior members and places available from Simon on the number above. 

The coarse season on rivers opens on Tuesday 16th, meaning that all of the clubs venues will be reopen with no bait bans in place.

20th May 2015

Please note all Night Permits have now been sold.

19th May 2015

Andy Fox won the members match at Beaver Bridge on the Aire and Calder Canal with 5lbs 2oz of skimmers in windy conditions. Second place went to Simon Foster who caught 3lbs 11oz, followed by Matt Foster with 3lbs 1oz and Chris Jones with 2lbs 10.5oz. The next members match is at Cowthorpe on June 21st - and tickets are now available from Simon on 01274 571175. 

Knotford is currently producing good catches of carp and bream to both day and night anglers with fish up to 27lbs 6oz being caught last weekend. The Aire and Calder Canal at Pollington is fishing very well for skimmer bream with nets of over 50 fish being caught in a session. 

Members are reminded once again to ensure that the gates at Queen Mary’s Ponds are closed to protect the newly stocked fish, as well as existing stocks, from predation.

11th May 2015

Tickets are still available for this Sunday’s members’ match at Beaver Bridge on the Aire and Calder Canal from Simon on 01274 571175. The draw for this match will take place on the towpath at 9.15am. Places are also still available from Simon for the veterans match at Raskelf on June 14. 

Members can now get a 10% discount on all Xcel baits purchases which are not subject to free postage by stating their membership number when ordering. This bait has been producing good catches on a number of the clubs waters recently.

Members are reminded that all gates should be closed and that a code is required from the southern region head bailiff for the main gate at Knotford.

27th April 2015

Despite an overnight frost, Bob Newby broke the match record for Raskelf in last weekends members’ match catching an impressive 71lbs 10oz of F1’s on pole and meat. F1’s were also the main species for Eric Wright, who caught 56lbs for second place, while Sam Ambler caught 39lbs 13oz for third place and Ian Graham caught 36lbs 8oz for fourth. Nine out the 40 anglers caught in excess of 30lbs. The next members match is on the Aire and Calder Canal at Beaver Bridge on 17 May. 

The road at Thornton Bridge is now reopen to vehicles.With the warmer weather, all club waters are now beginning to produce good catches. Regular reports of carp over 20lbs are being received from anglers at Knotford and Kirklees, including a large number of the fish stocked into Knotford over the past 5 years. Ripon ponds are worth a visit for tench and bream from both lakes, while Gratrix is fishing well for roach, ide and chub. 

Once again members are reminded that all gates must be closed, and failure to do so could see membership terminated.

7th April 2015

Fishing rights on the River Ure at Langthorpe (left bank) have been relinquished by the club due to very poor access and the stretch not being fished by members. We still hold fishing rights to the opposite bank, known as the Roecliffe stretch, which reported good catches of roach, dace and perch over the winter. The stretch of Aire and Calder Canal at Whitley Lock has also been released due to being underfished, although we still hold fishing rights to more than 11 miles of this canal between Heck and Goole. 

Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon are both producing a number of carp over 20lbs now that the water temperature is rising. Only a couple of night permits remain available for these waters so members are advised to purchase as soon as possible either online or from the ticket and licence secretary. Raskelf is continuing to fish exceptionally well for F1’s, tench, skimmers and ide, with nets in excess of 50lbs being caught regularly, while Queen Mary’s Ponds at Ripon are also beginning to fish well with a number of tench over 6lbs being caught over the past week. 

Members are reminded to ensure that all gates are closed on club waters.

23rd March 2015

Andy Jacques clinched first place in this years Raskelf Winter Series by winning the final round, taking his points total to 125 points from the four matches. Andy caught a net of F1’s, ide and skimmer bream on pole for 42lbs 10oz in last Sunday’s final round, while Ian Graham came second on the day with 30lbs 8oz on feeder and pellet. Eric Wright caught 25lbs 14oz of F1’s on pole for third place, followed by Graham Brammer on 19lbs 14oz. Steve Hodson finished the series as runner up with a total of 105 points, closely followed by Fred Prudham (101 points) and Eric Wright (90 points). A full list of total points can be found on the club Facebook page.

The members match at Ripon in August is now sold out. 

Knotford is fishing very well, with a number of anglers catching carp to over 20lbs and bream over 8lbs. A limited number of night permits are still available for here and Kirklees Lagoon. Members are reminded to ensure that all gates are closed behind them. The River Calder at Elland is worth a visit for trout on fly or worm.

9th March 2015

Howard Foster won the final open match of the season at Cowthorpe on Sunday with 7 chub and a barbel for 27lbs 1oz. Gavin Mitchell claimed second place with 21lbs 3oz of chub, followed by Bob Newby with 19lbs 9oz and Eric Wright with 14lbs 3oz. Widdington Hall will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking. 

This Saturday is the final day of the river season, which reopens on March 25th for trout or June 16th for coarse fish. 

There will be a working party at Raskelf this Sunday to remove any fallen branches and general peg maintenance. Anyone willing to help out should meet at the lake at 10am. 

Knotford is now starting to produce catches of carp, tench and bream as the water temperature rises. A limited number of night permits for Knotford and Kirklees are still available from the ticket and licence secretary or online.

23rd February 2015

Thirty one anglers braved the elements for the third round of the Raskelf Winter Series on Sunday, which was won by Dave Bainbridge with 21lbs 7oz of F1’s on pellet and feeder. Other results: 2nd Steve Fox 20lbs 6oz, 3rd Andy Jacques 16lbs 2oz, 4th Fred Prudham 15lbs 13oz. Andy leads the series with one match remaining with 89 points, five points ahead of Fred, while Steve Hodson is third with 74 points. A full list of anglers' points totals for the series so far can be found on the club Facebook page. The final round will be on March 22nd. 

Well done to the Bradford No1 AA team who finished 6th out of 17 teams in Saturday’s RSPS Team Masters. The match was won with 62lbs of chub, while second place caught 42lbs of chub from our stretch at Pickhill. 

Tickets are still available for the open match at Cowthorpe on March 8 from Simon on 01274 571175. Widdington Hall will be closed this weekend for outside bookings. 

Members are reminded to ensure all gates are closed behind them and that the dials are turned on the lock at Knotford after closing the gate. 

Polo shirts embroidered with the club logo are still available from the online shop.

16th February 2015

Maunby, Gatenby and Catton will be closed on Saturday for the River Swale Preservation Society’s Team Masters, for which team members should be at Woodlands for the draw at 8.30am. This Sunday sees the third round of the Raskelf Winter Series, which draws at the Golden Lion at 9am. Meanwhile, Widdington Hall will also be closed this weekend for outside bookings. Tickets are still available for the open match on the River Nidd at Cowthorpe on March 8 from Simon on 01274 571175. 

Well done to Reece Lisle, who last weekend caught a carp weighing 25lbs 8oz from Kirklees Lagoon. Fish are beginning to show on most of the clubs waters, with the River Calder at Brighouse also fishing well for grayling and chub. 

The club has this winter stocked a number of quality C4 carp into Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon, Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon, as well as around 1000 ide into Raskelf Lake. More details can be found in the monthly committee reports on the members forum, with identification pictures of the carp to follow shortly.

Members are reminded to ensure that all litter is taken home, including any discarded line. Leave litter, leave the club.

13th January 2015

Last weekend’s open match at Cowthorpe was cancelled due to the river being flooded. Tickets are available for the next open match at Thornton Bridge and Maunby on the River Swale on February 8th from Simon on 01274 571175.

Any members willing to volunteer as a club bailiff should contact the head bailiff Paul Hopkins, whose number is in the yearbook.

Widdington Hall on the River Ouse will be closed to members on the following dates, in addition to those already published in the 2015 yearbook: Jan 24th, 25th, Feb 1st, 7th, 8th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, March 1st, 7th. This is due to a number of late outside match bookings.

22nd December 2014

Membership for 2015 is now available to purchase from the subscriptions page and most local tackle shops. Senior membership costs just £46 a year for access to over 75 waters throughout Yorkshire, while junior membership is £5 a year. Night permits for Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon are also now available to purchase online for the coming year. 

A full list of club matches for 2015 is available on the match results page, with the club hosting 30 matches this coming year including open and members matches as well as the two annual junior matches.

8th December 2014

Simon Freer won the opening round of this years Raskelf Winter Series with 22lbs 3oz of F1’s on Polaris float. Eric Wright claimed second place with a catch of F1’s for 21lbs 12oz, with Andy Jacques catching 17lbs 13oz of ide on pole and maggot for third.  The next round of the four match series will take place on January 25. Cowthorpe will be closed on Sunday for the last open match of the year, with tickets still available from Simon on 01274 571175. 

Extra care should be taken on all club waters as temperatures drop and ice begins to form. 

The club now has a range of merchandise available for members to buy. This includes polo shirts, hoodies, caps and beanie hats, all embroidered with the club logo. These can be purchased via the online shop and are a perfect present for Christmas.

1st December 2014

Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for the first round of this years Raskelf Winter Series, which draws at the Golden Lion at 9am. Tickets are still available for the open match at Cowthorpe on Dec 14th from Simon on 01274 571175. Membership for 2015 will be available from the back end of December at all the usual tackle shop agents and online. Gratrix is fishing well for roach, chub and ide on maggot or bread and waggler or pole.

24th November 2014

This years Raskelf Winter Series begins on December 7th, with a couple of places still available from Simon on 01274 571175. Please could Dave Moffatt contact the match secretary regarding the junior trophy. Milby Cut canal should be worth a visit this weekend for roach, perch and pike, while Widdington Hall on the River Ouse is fishing well for roach on long rod or feeder.

10th November 2014

Adrian Lewis caught three chub for 7lbs 11oz to win the open match on the River Swale at Thornton Bridge and Maunby. The match went ahead as planned, despite the river carrying extra water and colour, and produced a number of chub, including two for Pete Vickerman  for 6lbs 9oz and second place, followed by Andy Fox with 6lbs 6oz. The next river open match will be at Cowthorpe on December 14th, with tickets available from Simon on 01274 571175. Widdington Hall will be closed this Sunday for an outside booking. 

Membership for 2015 should be available from the middle of December.

3rd November 2014

Maunby, Catton and Thornton Bridge on the River Swale will be closed on Sunday for an open match, which draws at the Golden Lion in Helperby at 9am. Tickets for this match are still available from Simon on 01274 571175. Maunby is fishing very well for chub, with nets in excess of 20lbs being caught. Raskelf is continuing to produce large nets of F1 carp on pellet or meat. 

Members are reminded to ensure that gates are closed at all times, especially on waters with otter fences.

6th October 2014

Simon Foster won the final members match of the year, at Roecliffe, with 40 roach for 5lbs 6oz. Second place went to Ian Newby with 4lbs 8oz of silver fish, followed by Matt Foster (3lbs 5oz) and Howard Foster (3lbs 4oz). Howard also won the aggregate weight trophy for the seven match series with 83lbs 14oz. Howsham Wood on the River Derwent will be closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

Due to misuse, guest tickets will no longer be available for Knotford. Please could any members willing to volunteer as a bailiff contact the head bailiff.

2nd October 2014

Membership for the remainder of 2014 is now half price, and available to purchase online here. This means that junior membership costs just £2.50 while senior membership will cost £22. A limited number of night permits for Knotford and Kirklees are also available to purchase online for just £35.

29th September 2014

This year's Calder League came to a dramatic end last Sunday, with Mirfield winning the team tournament due to having a superior aggregate weight after finishing joint on 34 points with Punky's 8, and just half a point ahead of Drennan Barnsley after the sixth, and final, match. Trevor Hewitt won the individual aggregate weight with an impressive 110lbs 7oz, while Craig Turbitt and Dennis White finished joint second with 86lbs 1oz. The final match was won by Mirfields Martin Highe with 19lbs 8oz of grayling, followed by Dave Pilgrim with 17lbs 6oz, both from Lillands Farm. The match saw over 460lbs caught between 52 anglers, taking the total for the series past the 3000lbs mark.

The final members match of the year will take place this Sunday at Roecliffe on the River Ure, drawing at 9.15am under the motorway bridge. Howard Foster leads the aggregate weight going into this match with 80lbs 10oz.

The trout season on rivers ends on Wednesday so anglers shouldn't purposefully target these fish.

A combination lock has been placed on the gate at Knotford due to it being repeatedly left open. The code can be obtained from either of the head bailiffs, whose phone numbers are in the yearbook and any member found to leave it open will be banned from the club.

Finally, the clubs AGM and prize presentation will take place on Wednesday 8th October at Moorlands Social Club in Cleckheaton (7.30pm) and all members are invited to attend but must bring their yearbook to gain entry.

22nd September 2014

Nick Chaffer claimed the title of Calder Champion 2014 with a catch of chub and grayling for 18lbs 12oz from the Cornmill to take home the top prize of £625. Paul Bennett finished second in the 75 peg match with 17lbs, while Keith Hobson caught 15lbs 14oz. 4 D Pitt 15lbs 7oz, 5 T Peel 13lbs 6oz, 6 J Mills 12lbs 15oz, 7 I Bradley 12lbs 10oz. 

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed Sunday for the final round of this years Calder League, which draws at The Railway Inn at 9am. Trevor Hewitt leads the aggregate weight for the series with 107lbs 3oz from the five matches, while Mirfield lead the team competition with 29 points, closely followed by Barnsley with 27.5 points. 

The clubs AGM will be held on October 8th at Moorlands Social Club in Cleckheaton at 7.30pm. All members are invited to attend and are reminded that they must bring their 2014 yearbook for entry. 

Membership for the remainder of the year will be half price from Wednesday 1st October on the Subscriptions page or from the Ticket & Licence Secretary, meaning that adult membership will be £22 while junior membership is just £2.50. 

Members are reminded to ensure that the gate at Knotford is closed at all times to protect fish stocks.

8th September 2014

Steve Newns won round five of the Calder League with 26lbs of roach from below John Cottons, just beating Punky’s 8 teammate Trevor Hewitt who caught 25lbs 7oz from Lillands. Third place went to John Mills who caught 20lbs 12oz, followed by Steve Raper with 20lbs 1oz. With 560lbs of fish caught between 47 anglers, the river is fishing very well in the build up to the Calder Championship on Sept 21, which has a £500 first prize. Tickets for this match are available from Simon on 01274 571175. 
Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for a members match, which is sold out, as will Roecliffe for an outside booking. 

Members are reminded to ensure that all gates are closed and all nets are dried before fishing club waters. 

1st September 2014

Martin Highe caught 72 roach for 18lbs 6oz from the Old Hee stretch at Beal to win the Lower Aire Championship, which was fished by 88 anglers. David Armitage claimed second place with 17lbs 3oz in the match held jointly with Leeds DASA, with Tony Earnshaw third with 16lbs 2oz. 

The next open match is the Calder Championship on Sept 21, which has a guaranteed first prize of £500. Tickets for this match are now available from Simon on 01274 571175. 

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for round 5 of the Calder League, which draws at 9am at The Railway Inn. Beal will also be closed on Sunday for an outside booking, with the Old Hee stretch closed on Saturday. 

Any propositions for this years AGM must be received, in writing, by the Secretary one month prior to the meeting, which takes place on October 8.

18th August 2014

The fourth round of the Calder League was won by Mirfield’s Dave Pollitt with 20lbs 8oz of dace on the pole. Punky’s 8 angler Tom Gausden came a close second with five chub for 20lbs 6oz from Lillands, which helped his team finish top on the day with 44 points. Third place went to Colin Hardy, who caught 18lbs 6oz. The next round will take place on September 7th. 

Tickets are still available for the Lower Aire Championships at Beal on Sunday 31st August from Simon on 01274 571175. This match is open to all anglers and is being run jointly with Leeds DASA.

Members are reminded to ensure that all nets are dried completely between fishing venues. Knotford is fishing very well for carp over 20lbs and tench and bream to over 6lbs.

11th August 2014

Five chub for a total of 16lbs 12oz from Pete Atkins won last weekends members’ match at Maunby on Swale. Second place went to Dave Bramley with 10lbs 2oz, followed by James Vickerman with 7lbs 10oz. Andy Jacques leads the aggregate weight with 64lbs 7oz, just two pounds ahead of Howard Foster with two matches remaining. 

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed this Sunday for round 4 of the Calder League, which draws at the Railway Inn at 9am. Any members with club trophies are asked to return them to the match secretary ready for engraving. 

4th August 2014

The third round of the Calder League was won by Willy Worms’ Andy Bradley with a net of roach weighing 24lbs 8oz. Mirfield’s Martyn Highe caught 19lbs 8oz of dace for second place, with Craig Turbit third with 18lbs 11oz. Mirfield were the winning team on the day with 44 points, followed by Punky’s 8 with 37 points. The next round will take place on August 17th. The River Swale at Maunby will be closed this Sunday for a members match. 

 Shelf Dam is worth a visit this week for bream and roach.

28th July 2014

Kara Sugden won last Saturday’s junior match at Raskelf with 22lbs 12oz of F1’s, in temperatures of up to 33 degrees. Second place went to Charlie Pashley who caught 15lbs 1oz of crucians and skimmers, while the under 11’s competition was won by Reilly O’Hara with a net of mainly F1’s for 14lbs 10oz. The aggregate weight trophy for the two junior matches went to Harry Sandham who caught a total of 34lbs 4oz. 

Sunday saw the officials match at Maunby on the River Swale, which was won by Simon Freer with a net of silver fish weighing 5lbs 14oz. Geoff Bass and Howard Foster tied for second place with 4lbs 9oz, with Geoff winning the biggest fish trophy with a chub weighing 4lbs. The aggregate weight trophy for the officials matches was won by Howard with a total of 71lbs 1oz. Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for the third round of the Calder League. 

Knotford is fishing very well, with catches of carp over 20lbs and tench and bream over 6lbs being reported. Members are reminded that gates must be closed at all times.

21st July 2014

Andy Miller won round two of the Calder League with a catch of 17 chub for 34lbs 11oz. Second place went to Bradford’s Andy Fox who caught 17lbs 1oz, followed by Arthur Benstead (Drennan Barnsley) with 16lbs 9oz. The next round will take place on August 3. 

The second junior match of the year at Raskelf takes place this Saturday, with entry free for junior members. Places for this match can be booked with Simon on 01274 571175. Maunby on the River Swale will be closed on Sunday for an officials match, which draws at 9.30am. Gatenby will also be closed on Saturday for an outside booking, as will Beal on Sunday. 

Membership for the remainder of the year is still available from all the usual outlets, as well as online on the Subscriptions page

14th July 2014

James Vickerman won last Sundays members’ match at Nun Monkton with 7lbs 11oz of perch on worm. Second place went to Andy Jacques with a chub and silver fish for a total of 6lbs 9oz, which takes him to second place in the overall aggregate weight after four matches with 61lbs 3oz. Howard Foster leads the aggregate weight with 61lbs 10oz with 3 matches remaining. Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for round 2 of this years Calder League, which draws at The Railway Inn at 9am. 

Places are still available for the junior match at Raskelf on July 26 from Simon on 01274 571175. Cowthorpe and Howsham Wood are worth a visit this week for chub and barbel into double figures on float and caster.

The club now has social media pages on both Facebook and Twitter. The Facebook page can be found here and is open for members to join and share catch reports, while the Twitter page is open to all to ask questions and follow updates regarding the club.

11th July 2014

Trevor Hewitt caught 12 chub for 43lbs 12oz to win the first round of this years Calder League. Drennan Barnsley duo Dennis White (28lbs 14oz) and Arthur Benstead (23lbs 12oz) came second and third, with Mirfield’s Ricky Bonas forth with 19lbs 10oz. The next round will take place on July 20. Nun Monkton will be closed on Sunday for a member’s match. There is to be a canoe event at Howsham Weir on the River Derwent this weekend so anglers are advised to avoid this venue. 

Beal is fishing very well for bream, with nets of well over 40lbs being caught. Queen Mary’s Ponds at Ripon are fishing well for tench to over 7lbs on pole and feeder. 

Members are reminded that gates should be closed at all times on club waters

It's been brought to the clubs attention of a new policy for reporting poaching to the police. If bailiffs/anglers ring the police to report poaching, quote the code 116/11 to the call handler. This code should ensure that it is dealt with as a police matter, rather than a civil matter as previously understood by many officers, and allow the attending officers to check a set of instructions on how to deal with the matter.

30th June 2014

Due to vandalism and the gates being left open repeatedly, the gates on the otter fence at Knotford will be locked until further notice. The main gate to the field side will remain unlocked to allow members to park but must be closed at all times. These actions have been taken to protect fish stocks from predation and any member found to have left gates open will be expelled from the club. 

Howard Foster smashed the match record for Raskelf with a catch of crucians and ide weighing 62lbs 10oz in last Sunday’s officials match. Simon Freer came second with 33lbs 4oz, followed by Ian Bradley with 33lbs.

Saturday's junior match at Raskelf was won by thirteen year old Harry Sandham, who caught a mixed net weighing 26lbs 4oz in just three and a half hours. Second place went to Liam Jones who caught 15lbs 4oz of mostly crucian carp. The under 11's was won by Reece Harrison with 13lbs 9oz, closely followed by Zac Freer with 13lbs 8oz.

Some sections of the River Calder will be closed on Sunday for the first round of this years Calder League, which draws at The Railway Inn at 9am. 

23rd June 2014

Howard Foster landed 6 barbel for 40lbs 11oz, with the biggest fish 9lbs 6oz, to win the members match at Cowthorpe on the River Nidd. P Wadsworth caught 24lbs 5oz for second place, with Andy Jacques catching 22lbs 7oz. 

The next members match is at Nun Monkton on July 13th, with tickets available from Simon on 01274 571175. Raskelf will be closed on Saturday and Sunday this weekend for a junior match and officials match respectively. Entry to the junior is free for members and draws at 12.30pm, while the officials match draws at 9.30am. Below Beal bridge will also be closed on Saturday for an outside booking. 

Cowthorpe is well worth a visit with barbel into double figures, chub and bream to 7lbs being caught, as well as double figure nets of dace and roach. Howsham Wood on the River Derwent is also fishing very well for double figure barbel and chub.

11 June 2014

The coarse season for river fishing opens on Monday, meaning that all of the clubs waters will be open as usual. Cowthorpe and Nun Monkton on the River Nidd and Thornton Bridge and Maunby on the River Swale are worth a visit for chub and barbel. 

Neil Pickles won the veterans match at Raskelf, which was fished by 30 anglers, with a mixed bag weighing 54lbs 4oz on pole and pellet. Second place went to Pete Wilson who caught 49lbs 4oz, followed by Steve Warriner with 45lbs. Steve Foster won the Over 70’s shield with 32lbs 9oz of F1’s on bread. Tickets are still available for the members’ match at Cowthorpe from Tackle 2U on Manchester Road. Gravel Pits on the River Calder will be closed on Wednesday 18th June for an outside booking.

6th June 2014

Day tickets for Chellow Dene and Harold Park are now available from Eccleshill Angling Supplies, 13 Unit 2, Stoney Lane, Bradford. Tickets cost £3 for seniors or £1 for ladies, juniors and OAP's and are also available from Tackle 2U on Manchester Road, Hill Top News on Allerton Road and the Ticket & Licence Secretary, Simon Freer. 

Club membership for the remainder of 2014 is also still available from all the usual outlets and on the subscriptions page.

2nd June 2014

Matt Foster won the first officials match of the year at Queen Mary's Ponds with three tench for 12lbs 12oz on pole and worm. Second place went to Simon Freer who caught two bream for 8lbs 12oz. Raskelf will be closed on Sunday for a veterans match, which draws at the lakeside at 9.30am. The first junior match of the year is at Raskelf on June 28th. Entry to this match is free for junior members and places can be booked by ringing Simon on 01274 571175.

A pair of prescription sunglasses have been found at Queen Mary's Ponds in Ripon, if these are yours, please call 01274 571175 to arrange return.

29th April 2014

The first members match of the year at Raskelf was won by Dave Bramley with 34lbs 8oz of ide and crucians. Second place went to Colin Mortimer who caught 34lbs 3oz, followed by Pete Wilson with 33lbs 8oz. The match also produced a number of notable fish, including a 4lbs 2oz F1 carp and a 6lbs 6oz tench. The next match is at Rawcliffe Bridge on the Aire and Calder Canal on 18 May.

Please could any members with old keepnets - even with holes in - which they would be willing to donate for a barley straw project at Ripon ponds please contact Simon on 01274 571175. Members are reminded to ensure that no litter or discarded line is left at club fisheries and that all gates are closed.

6th April 2014

Knotford Lagoon will be closed to angling on Monday 7th April and Tuesday 8th April due to an electrofishing project.

25th March 2014

The trout season on the clubs river stretches is now open and the only baits permitted to be used until 16 June will be fly, minnow, worm or artificial lure and no keepnets are to be used. Thank you to all who attended last weekends working party at Raskelf to repair paths and pegs.

The final round of this years Raskelf Winter Series fished very well considering the cold water temperatures. Fred Prudham won the match with 52lbs of F1’s on pole and maggot with Andy Jacques catching 42lbs 7oz for second place. Third place went to Matt Foster with 20lbs 12oz, followed by James Vickerman with 15lbs of skimmer bream. James’ 32 points helped him clinch the overall standings for the four match series with a total of 107 points, just one ahead of Andy Jacques who accumulated 106 points. Howard Foster finished 3rd overall with 96 points to narrowly beat Chris Pitman, who had 95 points. The next match will be a members’ match at Raskelf on April 27th, which is now sold out.

Chellow Dene is continuing to fish well for nets of roach and chub on maggot.

10th March 2014

The river season closes this Friday to all angling until the 25 March for trout angling or the 16 June for coarse fishing but Chellow Dene is fishing very for quality roach and chub on waggler and maggot.

The final match of the river season at Cowthorpe was won by Alan Grandidge with 5 chub for 16lbs 12oz. Second on the day was Chris Smith with 11lbs 12oz and third was Adrian Lewis with 10lbs.

There will be a working party at Raskelf on Sunday at 10am to repair pegs and paths. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

24th February 2014

Last Sunday saw round 3 of this years Raskelf Winter Series. The winner on the day was Fred Prudham with 33lbs 10oz of F1’s and ide on feeder and maggot. Ian Newby came second with 26lbs, followed by Eric Wright with 21lbs 13oz. Steve Fox is leading the aggregate points with 85 points, just one ahead of Paul Hopkins with one match remaining on March 23rd.

Widdington Hall will be closed on Saturday for an outside booking.

Anglers are asked to remain vigilant for any fish becoming trapped as river levels drop. If it is suspected that fish are trapped, please contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 and any committee member immediately!

11th February 2014

Membership for 2014 is still available from just £5 for juniors or £44 for seniors from all the usual outlets and on the subscriptions page.

Steve Fox won round 2 of this years Raskelf Winter series with 13lbs 2oz of F1’s on feeder and maggot. James Vickerman caught 8 F1’s and 4 ide for 11lbs 10.5oz for second, followed by Howard Foster with 7 F1’s for 10lbs 14oz. Steve currently leads the series with 69 points, three ahead of Howard Foster with two matches remaining. Last weekends open match at Cowthorpe on the River Nidd was cancelled on the morning due to the river being flooded. Maunby, Gatenby and Catton on the River Swale will be closed on Saturday for the RSPS team masters match.

Raskelf Lake is fishing very well for F1’s, tench and roach, with nets of over 80lbs being caught.Carp to over 30lbs and pike into double figures are being caught from Kirklees Lagoon. A limited number of night permits are available for this water and Knotford from Simon Freer on 01706 526356.

Members are reminded to ensure that gates are closed at all times on all of the clubs waters.

14th January 2014

There has been a further stocking of C4 carp into Knotford. This is part of an on-going initiative to improve the quality of stock at this venue.

Membership for 2014 is still available at all the usual outlets, including online. Anglers are reminded that to fish association waters in 2014 they must be in possession of a 2014 yearbook.

John Leyland won last Sundays open match at Cowthorpe with four chub for 15lbs 9oz. Nick Smith finished second with 2 chub for 7lbs and Howard Foster also had two chub for 6lbs 15oz. The next open match at Cowthorpe is on February 9th. Widdington Hall is closed on Sunday for an outside booking.

Some tackle has been found at Raskelf Lake and can be claimed by ringing Simon on 01274 571175. With the river level expected to be around normal, the Nidd and Swale are both worth a visit for chub this weekend.