The clubs flagship venue holding large numbers of good sized trout and a great spot for Fly fishing (plenty of casting space). Unlike most game fisheries, float fishing with worm & minnow and spinning are permissible too, however the use of ground bait or loose feeding is strictly prohibited.

Species at the venue are both stocked and native brown trout, spartic, and of course rainbow (including blue and gold variants) alongside good numbers of perch.

In 2016 Embsay moor reservoir became one of the few venues in the north of the UK to stock tiger trout (a brown trout/brook trout hybrid). The tigers have been a real hit with regulars at the venue due to their voracious appetite and their ability to punch well above their weight. Tigers are still regularly stocked into Embsay.

With it’s premium quality fish stocks, unbeatable panoramic views and the call of pheasants, grouse and curlew from the moor side, it’s easy to see why this venue is loved by all who visit.

The reservoir itself was built between 1905 –1909, and is fed by Moor Beck and Lowburn Gill. The water covers almost 30 acres and is very deep due to the dam height of 79 feet (24 Meters). Who knows what’s lurking in those depths.

Day-Tickets are of course available online and various retailers for a very reasonable rate, which includes a maximum take of two rainbow trout, however we do ask that all other species are returned to the water safely to fight another day.

Whinny gill reservoir is situated to the East of Skipton on the edge of the Greatwood estate and was until 2014 a working feeder for Embsay reservoir. The reservoir is roughly rectangular in shape and has an area of 6.75 acres and a maximum depth of 34 feet. There is no close season on Whinny Gill.

It is a 'hole-in-the-ground' type, with inset grit stone blocks laid with no mortar. This provides an ideal bed for small fish to hide away from the waters larger fish and also provides an ideal breeding ground for the varied insect and mollusc life found at this water.

Its banks are steep-sided and therefore there is a good depth of water close in to the side and fish can often be caught only a couple of feet from the edge.

Whinny Gill is regarded as a mixed fishery and is regularly stocked with coarse fish and although not stocked with any trout for quite some years, there are still reports of the odd monster brown trout patrolling the depths.

In 2013, the club stocked Whinny Gill with small common and mirror carp to increase the waters biodiversity which are growing on well with some double figured fish now present, just don't expect a net full as only a small number of carp were ever stocked so as not to impact upon the water quality.

A stocking of bream also took place the same year, which was kindly donated by one of the clubs members to complement the existing stock. Since then various species of coarse fish have been stocked on a regular basis.

In addition to the stocked coarse fish there is an established stock of other species. Perch are present in large numbers and range in weight from a couple of ounce to two pounds but there are much larger ones in there.

Catches of roach in The Gill are frequent, vast shoals of 2-6" fish have been spotted, but the 2lb plus roach have been one of the talking points, the record being a ounce short of 3Lb but there is good chance this will be broken soon.

Whinny Gill also appears to be a popular spot for people to illegally dump their overgrown pond fish, with koi, golden orfe, chub and goldfish putting in the occasional appearance.

Over the past few years extensive weed beds have appeared, cursed by some anglers, appreciated by others. The weed growth has eased somewhat since its initial growth, presumably due to consistent high water levels. The fish have clearly appreciated this growth and huge numbers of fry have been spotted living and feeding among it.

The club maintain Whinny Gill as a more 'natural style' fishery rather than an 'overstocked commercial' style venue, which are all too common these days. Instead of being a muddy puddle, Whinny gill offers its visitors clear water, so make sure you bring your polarised glasses and be prepared for a challenging day of enjoyment, just don't get too distracted by the beautiful scenery and keep an eye on that float/quiver tip.

The water is enclosed within a perimeter fence with a key required to gain access through the gate, (available to members from the membership secretary for a deposit). All legal baits and fishing methods are allowed. Day-ticket holders must be accompanied by a member with a key, cars can be parked just inside the gates.

Species: rudd, golden rudd, roach, perch, bream, tench, ide, orfe, carp (common & mirror), crucian, gudgeon, ruffe

SAA has full fishing rights from the top lock at Bank Newton (41) to Belmont Bridge (178) including the basin in the town centre and full length of the Springs branch. This equates to roughly 7.5 miles.

Angling opportunities were increased further (for members only) in 2023 by sharing our angling rights with Keighley AC, from Belmont Bridge 178 to Leaches swing Bridge 196. However it should be noted that Keighley AC members must follow SAA rules when on SAA waters, and SAA members must follow Keighley AC rules when fishing Keighley AC waters. The scheme may NOT be used by anyone banned from either associations waters or by day ticket holders.

The canal offers some fantastic mixed bags of roach, perch, bream, gudgeon, ruffe, and of course pike even the occasional brown trout.

The River Aire is a limestone stream and has abundant insect life, the Brown Trout and Grayling are possibly the fittest and heaviest length for length in any Yorkshire Dales river.

Baits permitted are fly, worm, minnows & artificial lures from 25th March until 15th June. All legal baits are permitted from 16th June until 14th March. 

Fish on the River Aire will respond to most methods with upstream dry fly or nymph taking most fish when fly fishing. Spiders as usual (fished upstream) take their share but stealth and a careful approach are essential if you are to catch fish as often the water on the River Aire can be cut glass clear.

The river Aire is challenging water, with its overhanging trees and deep holes, you will find deep slow stretches, fast shallows and steady runs of around five feet in depth where you can trot a float.

The baits used are most commonly red worms and of course maggots, but bread flake and crust can also produce results. Lob worms certainly work on this river when the water is high and coloured. Be careful when reeling in those big trout though or you may lose it one of the Aires monster pike.

S.A.A. rights are; Skipton side: From the Carleton stone bridge, down to the fifth field below the Snaygill railway bridge including parts of Eller Beck up to the cemetery on the road side (1 1/2 miles approx). Carleton side: From the field over which the former railway line crossed on Heslaker Lane down to the first field below the Snaygill Railway bridge (2 1/2 miles approx). Please note that some fields are shared with Bradford City AA.

In response to the change in legislation regarding the stocking of diploid trout (2015), the association have since decided to safeguard the Aires indigenous brown trout by insisting that all caught are safely returned to the water.

Source location - Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire Elevation 377 m (1,237 ft)

Mouth - River Ouse – location, Airmyn, East Riding of Yorkshire elevation 5 m (16 ft)

Length 114 km (71 mi)

Basin 1,004 km2 (388 sq mi)

Discharge for River Ouse – average 35.72 m3/s (1,261 cu ft/s)