Koppang, Norway – 27th July-2nd August

The 11th FIPS-Mouche Masters World Fly Fishing Championships (for competitors aged over 50) is being held in Koppang, Norway, from 27th July-2nd August 2026.

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

Australia – Belgium – Channel Islands – Czech Republic – England – Finland – France – Italy – Mongolia – Netherlands – Norway – South Africa – Spain – Sweden – USA

AT Team England FF is represented by: Simon Kidd, Bernie Maher, Andy Taylor, Graham Willis & Mark Withyman (Captain/Manager)

Manager Mark Withyman reports: ‘The 11th FIPS-Mouche World Masters Fly Fishing Championship is underway in Koppang, Norway, with Team England arriving full of optimism as the opening ceremony marked the official start of a week of world-class competition. Anglers from across the globe gathered in Innlandet to celebrate the sport before turning their attention to the challenging rivers and lakes that will decide the championship.
Representing England are Simon Kidd, Bernie Maher, Andy Taylor, Graham Willis, and Mark Withyman, who also serves as Captain/Manager. The squad brings a wealth of international experience and will be looking to build on England’s proud tradition in world fly fishing.
From an England perspective, the opening ceremony was about more than tradition—it marked the culmination of months of preparation and the beginning of a fresh challenge against many of the world’s strongest masters teams. With registration complete and the national flags proudly displayed, Team England now turns its full focus to the competition, aiming to make a strong start on Norway’s renowned trout and grayling waters and challenge for honours throughout the week.’

RESULTS

Session 1
Captain/Manager Mark Withyman led Team England’s charge in the 1st session of the World Masters with 4 fish and 3rd place at Lake Isteren, one of the two boat sectors. On the other boat sector, Sølensjøen Lake, Graham Willis avoided a blank to finish 11th. On the river sectors, Andy Taylor scored 10 fish to come 8th on the River Glomma, while Bernie Maher finished 9th on the Nordre Rena/Unsetaa River with 8 fish, and Simon Kidd was 11th with a brace on the Femundselva River. England started the competition in 9th with 42 placing points, while Spain are currently out in the lead with 12pts, ahead of the USA 2nd and France 3rd, both with 24pts.

Session 2
The second session saw the better results for England on the two boat sectors, with Bernie Maher scoring 2 fish for 5th place on Lake Isteren, while Andy Taylor came 6th with 3 fish on Sølensjøen Lake. On the river sectors Simon Kidd was 11th with 2 fish on the River Glomma, while Mark Withyman came 12th with 6 fish on the Femundselva River, and Graham Willis failed to catch on the Nordre Rena/Unsetaa River. England dropped a place to 10th with 89pts, while the top three positions remained unchanged, with Spain 1st with 30pts, the USA 2nd with 39pts, and France 3rd with 53pts. Spain are also doing well individually, with Jordi Oliveras Cortina currently the leader with 3pts, teammate Juan Jose De La Fuente 2nd, also with 3pts, and Francois Deloup 3rd with 4pts.