Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing

The 30th FIPS-Mouche European Fly Fishing Championships is taking place in the Mostar and Livno region, Boznia & Herzegovina, from the 22nd-28th June 2026.

AT TEFF is represented by: Del Spry (Captain), Simon Clarke, Cameron Craigs, Brian Lillie, Stan Moore, Gavin Walsh & Mark Withyman (Manager).

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Bulgaria – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Croatia – Czech Republic – England – Finland – France – Hungary – Ireland – Italy – Luxembourg – Montenegro – Netherlands – Poland – Portugal – Serbia – Slovakia – Slovenia – Spain – Sweden

RESULTS

Session 1
England got off to a promising start in the first session, with Simon Clarke coming 5th on the Lower Sturba River with 14 fish, Brian Lillie 7th on the Upper Buna River with 25 fish, Stan Moore 7th on the Lower Buna River, and Cameron Craigs 12th on the Upper Sturba River. On Lake Mostar, the stillwater sector, Del Spry came 6th with 4 fish. The team are currently lying in 5th place with 37 placing points, behind Portugal 4th with 36pts, Hungary 3rd on 35pts, Bosnia & Herzegovina 2nd on 30pts and Montenegro 1st on 29pts. Ireland are in 17th position with 77 placing points.

Update from Manager Mark Withyman:

England off to steady start in European Championship after Session 1 in Bosnia & Herzegovina
‘England made a composed and competitive opening statement in Session 1 of the 30th FIPS-Mouche European Fly Fishing Championships in Bosnia & Herzegovina, as action got underway across the Buna River, Sturba River, and Mostar Lake venues.
In challenging but familiar early-summer Balkan conditions, the England team adapted well to the technical demands of the venues, with clear water, variable flows, and highly pressured fish proving decisive factors throughout the opening day.
Team Captain Del Spry praised the squad’s discipline and preparation following the first session:
“It was a solid start in difficult, highly technical water. The lads stuck to the plan, made good decisions, and stayed patient throughout the session. There’s a long way to go in this championship, but Session 1 gives us a platform to build on.”
Across the five sectors, England anglers demonstrated strong watercraft, particularly on the slower, clearer stretches of the Buna River, where precision presentation was key. The Sturba River tested tactical adaptability, while Mostar lake we performed really well.
The team management highlighted that consistency across all beats will be critical as the championship progresses, with small margins expected to separate the leading nations after the opening round. After the first session we are lying in a good position in 5th overall with almost top ten results from every team member. Del Spry got A 6th on the lake, on the sturba Simon Clark and Cameron Craig got a 5th and 12th, on the Buna river Stan Moore and Brian Lillie both finished in 7th position.
England now turn their attention to Session 2, where conditions are expected to remain stable, though pressure on fish stocks is likely to increase as competition intensity builds.
Further updates will follow as the championship continues through the week.’

Session 2
The second session saw Del Spry finish 8th with 5 fish on the Lower Buna River, while Stan Moore came 14th on the the Lower Sturba River, with Brian Lillie 15th on the Upper Sturba River, and Simon Clarke also 15th on the Upper Buna River. On Mostar Lake Cameron Craigs saved a blank to finish in 6th place, in a session that saw 11 anglers fail to catch. England slipped to 8th place with 95 placing points, with Ireland currently 19th on 153pts. Portugal moved from 4th place into the top spot with 63pts, with Bosnia & Herzegovina remaining in 2nd with 66pts, and Hungary 3rd with 76pts. Individually, Aleksandar Dukic (Bosnia & Herzegovina) is lying in 1st place, with Kristian Sveda (Slovakia), both with two 1st places, two placing points ahead of Zan Valentincic (Slovenia) on 4pts.

The 30th FIPS-Mouche European Fly Fishing Championships will take place in the Mostar and Livno region, Boznia & Herzegovina, from the 22nd-28th June 2026.

AT TEFF will be represented by: Del Spry (Captain), Simon Clarke, Cameron Craigs, Brian Lillie, Stan Moore, Gavin Walsh & Mark Withyman (Manager).

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Bulgaria – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Croatia – Czech Republic – England – Finland – France – Hungary – Ireland – Italy – Luxembourg – Montenegro – Netherlands – Poland – Portugal – Serbia – Slovakia – Slovenia – Spain – Sweden

PROGRAMME

Monday 22nd June: Opening Day
14:00 Arrival and registration at “Hotel Karting” Mostar
15:00 Captains’ Meeting & Draw
19:00 Opening Ceremony
21:00 Opening Dinner

Tuesday 23rd June: Competition Session 1
10:00 – 15:00 Departure from Hotel
17:30 Start of session on Buna River
20:30 End of session on Buna River
14:00 Start of session on Sturba River
17:00 End of session on Sturba River
16:30 Start of session on Lake
20:30 End of session on Lake

Wednesday 24th June: Competition Session 2
10:00 – 15:00 Departure from Hotel
17:30 Start of session on Buna River
20:30 End of session on Buna River
14:00 Start of session on Sturba River
17:00 End of session on Sturba River
16:30 Start of session on Lake
20:30 End of session on Lake

Thursday 25th June: Competition Session 3
10:00 – 15:00 Departure from Hotel
17:30 Start of session on Buna River
20:30 End of session on Buna River
14:00 Start of session on Sturba River
17:00 End of session on Sturba River
16:30 Start of session on Lake
20:30 End of session on Lake

Friday 26th June: Competition Session 4
10:00 – 15:00 Departure from Hotel
17:30 Start of session on Buna River
20:30 End of session on Buna River
14:00 Start of session on Sturba River
17:00 End of session on Sturba River
16:30 Start of session on Lake
20:30 End of session on Lake

Saturday 27th June: Competition Session 5 & Closing Day
06:00 – 09:30 Departure from Hotel
12:00 Start of session on Buna River
15:00 End of session on Buna River
10:30 Start of session on Sturba River
13:30 End of session on Sturba River
11:00 Start of session on Lake
15:00 End of session on Lake
19:00 Medals Ceremony – Closing Ceremony
21:00 Closing Banquet

Sunday 28th June
Breakfast – Travel Home

SECTORS

Sector 1: Buna River Upper
The Buna River is one of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Herzegovina, near the city of Mostar. It springs from the impressive source in Blagaj, one of the strongest karst springs in Europe, and reaches a width of around 10–15 metres right from its origin. The river flow is calm and crystal clear, with depths ranging from 1 to 4 metres, while certain pools can reach even greater depths. The Buna is known for its exceptionally clean and cold water, which creates ideal conditions for salmonid fish species. The most common fish species in the Buna are brown trout, softmouth trout (an endemic and strictly protected species), grayling, and rainbow trout. The river is particularly valued among fly fishermen due to its crystal-clear water, challenging fishing conditions, and rich fish population. Thanks to its remarkable natural beauty, biodiversity, and high conservation standards, the Buna ranks among the most prestigious fly-fishing destinations in Europe. Eligible fish occurring: all salmonid species

Sector 2: Sturba River Upper
The Sturba is a river in the southwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the municipality of Livno. It flows through the Livno Plain. It springs in the place after which it is named. It supplies the surrounding places with drinking water through a built water supply system. The Sturba is 14.5 km long. It is best known for its rich fish stock – especially brown trout and grayling. Anglers come for the clean water and rich fish stock, and the local community takes care of preserving the ecosystem. A special fishing district was opened on the Sturba in 2005, where brown trout and grayling live for sport fishing. Eligible fish occurring: all salmonid species.

Sector 3: Mostar Lake
Mostar Lake is the youngest lake on the Neretva River and was created in 1987. It is about 10 km long and has an area of about 112 ha. The greatest depth is about 20 m, while the water level fluctuates up to 5 m. According to research from 1990, the following fish species were present in the lake: Brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) Marble trout (Salmo marmoratus Cuv.) Neretva soft-mouth trout (Salmothymus obtusirostris oxyrhinchus Steind.) Svalač (Leuciscus svallize svallize Heck. et Kn.) White chub (Leuciscus cephalus albus Bon.) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Eel (Anguilla anguilla). Eligible fish: all species.

Sector 4: Buna River Lower
The Buna River is one of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Herzegovina, near the city of Mostar. It springs from the impressive source in Blagaj, one of the strongest karst springs in Europe, and reaches a width of around 10–15 metres right from its origin. The river flow is calm and crystal clear, with depths ranging from 1 to 4 metres, while certain pools can reach even greater depths. The Buna is known for its exceptionally clean and cold water, which creates ideal conditions for salmonid fish species. The most common fish species in the Buna are brown trout, softmouth trout (an endemic and strictly protected species), grayling, and rainbow trout. The river is particularly valued among fly fishermen due to its crystal-clear water, challenging fishing conditions, and rich fish population. Thanks to its remarkable natural beauty, biodiversity, and high conservation standards, the Buna ranks among the most prestigious fly-fishing destinations in Europe. Eligible fish occurring: all salmonid species.

Sector 5: Sturba River Lower
The Sturba is a river in the southwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the municipality of Livno. It flows through the Livno Plain. It springs in the place after which it is named. It supplies the surrounding places with drinking water through a built water supply system. The Sturba is 14.5 km long. It is best known for its rich fish stock – especially brown trout and grayling. Anglers come for the clean water and rich fish stock, and the local community takes care of preserving the ecosystem. A special fishing district was opened on the Sturba in 2005, where brown trout and grayling live for sport fishing. Eligible fish occurring: all salmonid species.

You will find more information on the Championship website here>>

Block A Qualifiers

Grafham Water – Sunday 19th April

Blagdon Lake – Sunday 26th April

Sweethope Loughs – Sunday 3rd May

Bewl Water – Sunday 3rd May

Ladybower Fisheries – Sunday 10th May

Block B Qualifiers

Blithfield Reservoir – Friday 29th May

Wimbleball – Sunday 31st May

Chew Valley Lake – Sunday 7th June

Rutland Water – Sunday 7th June

This competition consists initially of 4 Qualifying events around the country. These Qualifiers are in Block A.
There will then be a further group of 4 Heats in Block B.
Finally, there will be a single further ‘Catch All’ Qualifier in Block C.
From these three blocks anglers will qualify for the National Loch-style Final at Chew Valley Lake on 26th & 27th September 2026.
Maximum number of entries per angler is 3, one in Block A, one in Block B, or one in Block C. Or you can just enter Block B and C, or C only. (Note: Anglers may only fish one heat from each Block.)
Entries to Block A heats open at 7pm on Monday 19th January and close at midnight on 12th April.
Please only enter one heat at a time in any one Block. You may enter into Block B and/or Block C if you are unsuccessful in Block A.
Block B entries open on 12th May and close on 22nd May.
Block C entries open 16th June and close on 22nd June.

Please note: To compete in the Loch-style Heats and National Final you must be a valid member of Angling Trust, you can join here>>

Cancellation/Refunds: Please note: If you wish to cancel a ticket, you are able to do this from your member account by navigating to “Your Dashboard” in the top right of the website and selecting the “Your Competitions” tab. Alternatively, please inform refunds@anglingtrust.net by email, and include your name, the name of the qualifier you would like to cancel, your membership number & post code. We require 3 days’ notice prior to the qualifier in order to process a refund. Any notification outside of this time scale will not be entitled to receive a refund. Please note: There is no secondary market for the sale or transfer of any tickets.

Competition Rules are here>>

Risk Assessment is here>>

Block A Qualifiers

Grafham Water – Sunday 19th April – enter here>>
Blagdon Lake – Sunday 26th April – enter here>>
Sweethope Loughs – Sunday 3rd May – enter here>>
Ladybower Fisheries – Sunday 10th May – enter here>>

Block B Qualifiers

Blithfield Reservoir – Friday 29th May – enter here>>
Wimbleball – Sunday 31st May – enter here>>
Chew Valley Lake – Sunday 7th June – enter here>>
Rutland Water – Sunday 7th June – enter here>>

Block C ‘Catch All’ Qualifier

Pitsford – Sunday 28th June – enter here>>

National Final

Chew Valley Lake – 26th-27th September 2026

Country: WALES

Venue: Llyn Trawsfynydd

Dates: 19th to 23rd May (incl.)

Match date: Friday 22nd May

Accommodation: The Celtic Royal, Caernarfon

Results

1. Scotland 199 fish 11432pts
2. England 154 fish 8943pts
3. Wales 112 fish 6489pts
4. Ireland 114 fish 6486pts

Grand Totals 579 fish 33350pts

Best Basket – Tyler Hay (Scotland) 30 fish 1723pts

Biggest Fish – Shakti Begha (England) 72cms

England – Jake Wenman 26 fish 1489pts
Ireland – Robert Flaherty 17 fish 968pts
Scotland – Tyler Hay 30 fish 1723pts
Wales – Justin Allen 16 fish 924pts

Full Results:

Congratulations to Scotland on their victory.

AT TEFF was represented by: Gary Morris (Captain), Shaktihang Begha, Paul Bond, Phil Calvert, Richard Denney, Ryan Feber, Gary Haskins, Sean Hanlon, Tim Joyce, Mark Rose, Dom Sheratte, Frank Sumnall, Nick Tompkins, Jake Wenman & Ian Colclough (Manager).

TEFFTV

International practice day 2026

2026 Final of the Spring Loch Style International

IFFA Spring Loch Style Fly Fishing International at Llyn Trawsfynydd, Wales on Friday 22nd May 2026

Press Release

The international is fished from free drifting boats with anglers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales competing for the various trophies.
Teams consist of 14 anglers and in England’s case are drawn through qualifier events from across the country.
Teams gathered for the official practice day on Wednesday 20th but were unable to access the water due to abnormally strong winds. Some teams had been out practising prior to this date which gave them an early insight into fish locations and methods. Fortunately boats were allowed out on the 21st and the England team took full advantage with some very good catches. The weather however changed dramatically on match day from cloudy and cool with gusty winds changing on the day to brightness, warmth and lighter breezes.
The trout were found to be located in several small areas mainly in shallow water around the many rocks and shallows. Care was required to handle the boats in these areas.
At the cessation of the match a quick count indicated a large win for the Scotland team with England in second place, Wales third and Ireland fourth. Top English angler was Jake Wenman with an incredible catch of 26 trout.
AT TEFF would like to congratulate Scotland on their win. Also thanks to the Welsh Salmon and Trout Angling Association for organising the international and to the fishery for their efforts in providing such excellent fishing. Thank you to the 28 boatmen who gave up their time on the match day. Finally thanks to the Celtic Royal Hotel for providing accommodation and an excellent gala dinner at the awards evening.

Main results.
Top rod – Tyler Hay, Scotland – Brown Bowl – top rod for the third consecutive time – 30 fish – outstanding achievement.
Best fish – Shakti Begha, England – H. Emyr Lewis trophy for a fish of 72cm
Best English bag – Jake Wenman, England – The Grafham Trophy – 25 fish

The England team comprised: Ian Colclough (Team Manager), Gary Morris (Captain), Shaktihang Begha – new cap, Phil Calvert, Richard Denney, Ryan Feber, Paul Bond – new cap, Gary Haskins, Bruce Blackshaw – new cap, Tim Joyce, Mark Rose, Dom Sheratte, Frank Sumnall, Nik Tompkins – new cap, Jake Wenman

A special mention for Ron Gent who qualified for the team but sadly passed away a few months before the event. His wife will be presented with his cap posthumously.

Best Fish – Shakti Begha – 72cms rainbow

Best Fish – Shakti Begha (England) – H. Emyr Lewis trophy

Best English Bag – Grafham Trophy – Jake Wenman – 25 fish

October 2025

Sunday 12th October – Lower Itchen – Organiser: Tony Fox

Overall Results: 1. Julian Erbsloeh 2. Jay Curry 3. Tim Pottage 4. Alex Adams 5. Alex Tipping 6. Andrew Smith 7. Vinnie King 8. M Cave 9. Baz Reece 10. S Crowder 11. Mike Heritage 12. Harry Chance 13. Gavin Walsh 14. John Bowen 15. Jim Dillon 16. O Palmer 17. Alan Williams 18. John Waters

May 2026

Sunday 17th May – River Tees, Raby Estate – Organiser: Harry Chance

Overall Results: 1. Scott Nellins 2. Anthony McKenna 3. Paul Fairhurst 4. Stewart Wake 5. Peter Crowe 6. Karl Watson 7. Tom Speak 8. Paul Baker 9. Tim Pottage 10. Gary Clews 11. Kevin Moran 12. Nick Craigs 13. Chris Richardson 14. Peter Scholes

June 2026

Sunday 28th June – River Ure, Wensley – Organiser: Paul Page

The Qualifier will be fished to IFFA Section A – Fishing rules and AT TEFF River Qualifier scoring system, on a Catch, Measure & Release basis. Both Trout and Grayling 20cms and above will be eligible for measuring, scoring & the awarding of fish points.

Entrants will be split into 2 groups:
Morning Group – fishing am & controlling pm.
Afternoon Group – fishing pm & controlling am.

HQ: Three Horseshoes, Wensley, Leyburn, N Yorkshire DL8 4HJ.
am fishing Wensley Beat, pm fishing Bolton Hall Beat
Both Wensley and Bolton Hall beats are closed for practice Saturday 27th June 2026
Fishing Times: Morning group 09:00am – 12:30pm. Afternoon group 14:00pm – 17:30pm
Briefing: 08:00am
Entry Fee: £30.00
Fishing Fee: £25.00 payable on the morning directly to the organiser unless you are a Bolton Estate Season ticket holder or have purchased a Special Limited Season Ticket, from the organiser below.
Min entries: 12 / Max entries: 24
A limited number of day tickets are available from the Estate Office tele.01969 621182
A Special Limited Season Ticket covering 16th – 26th and 28th June inc. can be purchased for £60 in advance from Paul Page. Contact 07768 854849, ventonpage@gmail.com
Please ensure that your membership is valid and up to date at the time of applying and for your qualifier/s you are fishing and if you are successful to fish the final, otherwise the Angling Trust reserve the right to refuse entry to fish the event.
AT TEFF matches now have an AT membership requirement. If you need to renew or sign up, please visit the Angling Trust website here>> or call 0343 5077 006 (option 1).

Cancellation/Refunds: Please note: If you wish to cancel a ticket, please inform refunds@anglingtrust.net by email, and include your name, the name of the qualifier you would like to cancel, your membership number & postcode. We require 3 days’ notice prior to the qualifier in order to process a refund. Any notification outside of this time scale will not be entitled to receive a refund. Please note: There is no secondary market for the sale or transfer of any tickets.

How to enter
Sorry but only members of Angling Trust can purchase tickets for this event.
Entry details here>>

July 2026

Sunday 26th July – River Dee, Llangollen – Organiser: Harry Chance

26 July 2026 9:30 AM – 26 July 2026 5:00 PM
HQ: Hand Hotel, Bridge Street, Llangollen LL20 8PL
Members only

The draw will take place on Saturday 25th July 6:30pm in the bar of the Hand Hotel, Bridge Street, Llangollen LL20 8PL. What3word///fiery.vertical.clip

Briefing to take place at the Hand Hotel at 7:30am Sunday 26th July.

Fishing Times – Fishing will be split into 2 sessions.

Session 1: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Score cards are to be handed in to Harry Chance at the end of the session he will be at location mimes.manuals.indulges
Froncysyllte Community Centre LL20 7RH carpark

Lunch: 12:45pm to 13:30pm

Session 2: 14:00pm to 17:00pm
Return to Froncysyllte Community Centre LL20 7RH carpark hand in score cards and troughs.

Practice: The competition water will be closed from sunset on Sunday the 19th July 2026

Entry Fee: £30.00

Fishing Fee
If you are not a member of Llangollen and Maelor angling association, please purchase a ticket direct from the club.
Proof of day ticket will be required on the day for you to be able to fish.
Website contact Llangollen Maelor Angling about membership to fish on the River Dee, North Wales
The water kindly allocated by Llangollen and Maelor Angling for this competition is.

Top of beat downstream side of Bont bridge what3words///astounded.wipes.cleans.

Bottom of beat upstream side of the viaduct what3words///kicks.presenter.slugs.

This water will be fished in both sessions. Due to this the tickets are limited to 14 total.

Max entries: 14

Should you have any questions relating to this event please contact Harry Chance on 07719 302747 or email: westcountyff@gmail.com

Rules
The competition water will be closed from sunset on Sunday the 19th July 2026
Fishing will be to AT TEFF International Competition Rules and those Rule Modifications listed below. The main points will be briefed on the day. Fishery rules, beat info, parking areas are on the map above.

Rule Modifications

1. Size Limit – minimum 20cms
2. In both the Final (and in any practice days), AT TEFF rules and these Modifications apply.
3. The use of any ‘BUNG’ is strictly banned any fish caught using this method will not count.
4. Dry flies used in methods such as Trio and Duo should be flies that can reasonably be expected to take a wild river fish.
5. Any ‘Shuffling’ will result in disqualification.
6. Controllers and Competitors are NOT allowed to cross the river before the match has begun.
7. All Fish must be netted whilst the fish is still in the water. Under no circumstances should a fish be “aerialised”.

Please ensure that your membership is valid and up to date at the time of applying and for your qualifier/s you are fishing and if you are successful to fish the final, otherwise the Angling Trust reserve the right to refuse entry to fish the event.
If you need to renew or sign up, please visit the Angling Trust website here>> or call 0343 5077 006 (option 1).

Cancellation/Refunds: Please note: If you wish to cancel a ticket, please inform refunds@anglingtrust.net by email, and include your name, the name of the qualifier you would like to cancel, your membership number & postcode. We require 3 days’ notice prior to the qualifier in order to process a refund. Any notification outside of this time scale will not be entitled to receive a refund. Please note: There is no secondary market for the sale or transfer of any tickets.

How to enter
Sorry but only members of Angling Trust can purchase tickets for this event.
Entry details here>>

National Rivers Final

R. Tees – 5th-6th September 2026 [by kind permission of the Raby Estate]

Rivers Qualifier Organiser – Harry Chance westcountryff@gmail.com

Entries & Results Spreadsheet

Team England Fly Fishing is looking to appoint an Executive Chair who can play a pivotal role in ensuring that TEFF operates efficiently, maintains strong governance, and achieves sustainable growth while representing the interests of stakeholders, and be actively involved in management and operational decisions and guiding the TEFF Executive toward strategic success.
Please see attached Job Description etc.
Applicants are invited to submit a short CV to Paul Page at ventonpage@gmail.com before the 31st May 2026.