The Angling Trust reports: The Angling Trust and supporting fisheries are pleased to announce a series of boat fishing competitions this autumn to give competition fly anglers an opportunity to compete before the season draws to an end.

Covid-19 has hit fisheries and boat fishing competitions hard over the spring and summer months, and therefore the Loch-style Autumn Series aims to support these fisheries and give competition anglers the chance to compete for cash prizes.

The Angling Trust Loch-style Autumn Series will start in September at the popular Draycote Water and finish in early November at the mighty Rutland Water. The competitions will be held on Sundays with cash prizes for anglers finishing in the top four. In addition, the top 20% of anglers, based on the capped angler allocation at each qualifier, will also be invited to fish a Grand Final on Saturday 3rd April 2021 at Grafham Water, for the chance to win a share of the £2,000 prize pot. (Figures based on a 90-angler final).

There are 12 events planned at a range of venues across England. Anglers can enter more than one event. The format at each match differs and is based on the fisheries’ preferred choice. Anglers are advised to check the format at each venue before entering.

Each event has a £30 entry fee in addition to the fishing fee for the session. A proportion of the entry fee will form the prize pot, with the remainder being used to raise funds for England Youth Fly Fishing, England Lady Fly Fishers and Team England Fly Fishing.

This series is a great opportunity to fish on the big waters at the backend of the season when the fishing can be exceptional, with the bonus of winning a cash prize for those anglers finishing in the top four!

Entry is via the Angling Trust’s new online booking system at https://anglingtrust.net/competitions/.

Andy Taylor, Competitions Support Officer for the Angling Trust said “Competition fly fishing has been hit hard with the recent impact of Covid-19. As a keen competition angler myself, we wanted to offer both the experienced and novice competition angler something to look forward to, whilst at the same time offering support to our fisheries. In addition, we wanted to help raise funds for England Youth Fly Fishing, England Lady Fly Fishers and Team England Fly Fishing, at a time when fund-raising has been difficult. Cash prizes have become the norm on the coarse fishing circuit, and many fly anglers have been asking for many years for something similar on the game side. This competition and the final could see anglers winning four-figure cash prizes.”

“The 2020 Autumn Series will also offer those anglers who have missed the opportunity to compete the chance to get out before the season ends. An early Spring Final in 2021 will also give anglers the chance to start their competition season off in style. We hope this competition will be well received and become a permanent fixture on the competition scene.”

First place will receive 40% of the prize pool, second 30%, third 20% and fourth 10%

Dates and Venues

Sunday 6th September, 10am-5pm, Draycote Water. International Rules. Max. 50 rods. C&R.

Sunday 13th September, 10am-5pm, Stocks Reservoir. Fishery Rules. Max. 30 rods. 3 fish + C&R.

Sunday 13th September, 10am-5pm, Chew Valley Lake. Fishery Rules. Max. 30 rods. 3 fish + C&R.

Sunday 20th September, 10am-5pm, Blithfield Reservoir. Fishery Rules. Max. 40 rods. C&R.

Sunday 20th September, 10am-5pm, Grafham Water. International Rules. Max. 40 rods. 3 fish +C&R.

Sunday 4th October, 10am-5pm, Carsington Water. Fishery Rules. Max. 36 rods. C&R.

Sunday 11th October, 10am-5pm, Blagdon Lake. International Rules. Max. 40 rods. 3 fish + C&R.

Sunday 11th October, 10am-5pm, Eyebrook Reservoir. Fishery Rules. Max. 30 rods. C&R.

Sunday 18th October, 10am-5pm, Bewl Water. Fishery Rules. Max. 24 rods. 3 fish + C&R

Sunday 18th October, 10am-5pm, Pitsford Reservoir. Fishery Rules. Max. 32 rods. 3 fish + C&R.

Sunday 25th October, 9am-4pm, Draycote Water. Fishery Rules. Max. 50 rods. C&R.

Sunday 1st November, 9am-4pm, Rutland Water. Fishery Rules. Max. 40 rods. 3 fish + C&R.