Go here>> to find out more about the Under 18 England River and Bank Fly Fishing Team and their ‘Reflections from the 25th FIPS Mouche Championship: A Journey of Growth & Discovery’, along with ‘Fly Chronicles’ of their exploits, Mission Statement, and Sponsorship Information.
Team England Fly Fishing is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming FIPS-Mouche European Fly Fishing Championship, taking place in Sondrio, Italy from October 19–24, 2025. The prestigious event will see top anglers from across Europe compete in the ultimate test of skill, precision, and rivercraft.
Representing England on the international stage will be:
Del Spry – Team Captain
Andy Taylor
Chris Richardson
Stan Moore
Simon Clarke – Team Manager
This experienced and dedicated team brings together a wealth of talent and international competition experience. Under the leadership and guidance of Captain Del Spry and Manager Simon Clarke, Team England is focused on delivering a strong performance on Italy’s technical alpine rivers (Adda, Mallero and Mera) and the stillwater (Lake Palu) at 2000m above sea level.
The European Championship, sanctioned by the international governing body FIPS-Mouche, is a highlight of the competitive fly fishing calendar, attracting elite teams from across the continent. This year’s venue, Sondrio, located in the heart of the Lombardy region, promises challenging fishing conditions and breathtaking scenery — the perfect stage for world-class competition.
Simon Clarke, Team Manager, said: “Getting some of the team out to Italy in June, has given us a valuable first-hand insight into the competition waters, allowing us to tailor our tactics well in advance. The Alpine rivers present a unique challenge, and whilst we remain mindful that the conditions in October may be very different to that in June, we’re confident in our ability to adapt, perform, and represent our country with pride.”
The 29th FIPS-Mouche European Fly Fishing Championships was held in Sondrio, Italy, from the 19th-25th October 2025.
AT TEFF was represented by: Simon Clarke (Manager), Stan Moore, Chris Richardson, Del Spry (Captain) & Andy Taylor.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
Belgium – Bulgaria – Czech Republic – England – Finland – France – Ireland – Italy – Montenegro – Netherlands – Poland – Romania – Serbia – Slovakia – Spain – Sweden
PROGRAMME
Sunday 19th October
12:00 Arrival and registration at “Grand Hotel della Posta” Sondrio
13:30 Captains’ Meeting & Draw
17:00 Opening Ceremony
18:00 Opening Dinner
Monday 20th October: Competition Session 1
9:00 Start of session on lake
10:00 Start of session on rivers
12:45 End of session on lake
13:00 End of session on river
Tuesday 21st October: Competition Session 2
9:00 Start of session on lake
10:00 Start of session on rivers
12:45 End of session on lake
13:00 End of session on river
Wednesday 22nd October: Competition Session 3
9:00 Start of session on lake
10:00 Start of session on rivers
12:45 End of session on lake
13:00 End of session on river
Thursday 23rd October: Competition Session 4
9:00 Start of session on lake
10:00 Start of session on rivers
12:45 End of session on lake
13:00 End of session on river
Friday 24th October: Competition Session 5
9:00 Start of session on lake
10:00 Start of session on rivers
12:45 End of session on lake
13:00 End of session on river
18:30 Medals Ceremony – Closing Ceremony
21:00 Closing Banquet
Saturday 25th October
Breakfast – Travel Home
SECTORS
Sector 1: Lake Palu
(1,965 m above sea level) is located in Valmalenco, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Rhaetian Alps. Accessible on foot or by cable car from Chiesa in Valmalenco, this alpine lake is one of the most fascinating in the region.
Covered by snow for about four months of the year, it offers breathtaking scenery during the warm season and is an ideal habitat for sport fishing. Its shape and depth (up to 15 metres)
Eligible fish occurring: brown trout and arctic char.
Sector 2: River Adda, Sondalo
Situated in Alta Valtellina (940 m asl), the Sondalo section offers an alpine environment characterised by clear, fast-flowing waters.
Eligible fish occurring: Brown trout, Marbled trout, with large specimens and a sporadic presence of Rainbow trout.
Sector 3: River Mallero, Chiesa
The competition sector of the Mallero River stretches (1,000 m above sea level) from Torre Santa Maria to the gates of the Chiesa in Valmalenco, crossing a striking mountain environment characterized by a particularly technical and challenging watercourse.
The stream has a morphology typical of alpine watercourses, with the presence of large boulders that create constant variations in the flow of water. It alternates between deep gorges and fast scraping sections, with a generally sustained flow, especially in summer, influenced by rainfall and snowmelt at high altitudes. The speed of the water can be challenging, which makes it particularly technical for fly-fishing. A fascinating and challenging area, perfect for testing the skills of the competitors.
Eligible fish: marbled trout, brown trout, hybrids and rainbows.
Sector 4: River Adda, Morbegno
The section of the river Adda near Paniga (250 m above sea level) stretches from the confluence of the Bitto stream to the confluence of the Tartano stream.
The first part of the river is characterised by slow-moving currents interspersed with small streams, while as the river rises it becomes more torrential, with stronger currents.
During the European Championships it is not uncommon to encounter large specimens of lake trout on their way upstream to spawn.
This is a diverse stretch of river that allows for a variety of fishing techniques and will test the competitors’ skills in a variety of fishing conditions.
Eligible fish: brown trout, marble trout and grayling is well distributed along the stretch.
Sector 5: River Mera, Chiavenna
The Mera River (300 m asl) in the Prosto section has a varied conformation, alternating between torrential stretches, rapids and some deep holes. .
The fish in this section are particularly cautious and selective, so a slow and deliberate approach is required. It is advisable to insist on waters of medium speed and to pay particular attention to the underbank, where the most interesting bait is often found. This section is a technical challenge that rewards the precision and patience of the angler.
Eligible fish: small to medium-sized brown trout, and rainbow trout are stocked throughout the year.
You will find more information on the Championship website here>>
Ian Colclough: Firstly congratulations to the two captains, Gary Morris who will take his team to Trawsfynydd in the spring, and Mark Macleod who will take his team to Lough Leane in south west Ireland in the autumn.
These are the teams. Congratulations to all the team members.
Spring – Llyn Trawsfynydd – Manager Ian Colclough
Gary Morris (Captain), Shaktihang Begha, Phil Calvert, Richard Denney, Ryan Feber, Ron Gent, Gary Haskins, Sean Hanlon, Tim Joyce, Mark Rose, Dom Sheratte, Frank Sumnall, Nick Tompkins & Jake Wenman
Autumn – Lough Leane – Manager Paul Angell
Mark Macleod (Captain), Bruce Blackshaw, Tom Bird, Steve Cullen, Chris Evans, John Hood, Matt Kingdon, Jeff Mason, Ben Race, Paul Runec, Richard Slater, Neil Squires, Phil Thompson & Graham Willis
Country: N. IRELAND
Venue: Woodford Fly Fishery, Carrickfergus
Dates: 10th to 15th October (incl.)
Match date: Wednesday 15th October
AT TEFF was represented by: James Stephenson (captain), Tony Baldwin, Frank Daley, Andy Taylor, Jake Wenman, Graham Willis, Stevie Peart (reserve) & Bruce Blackshaw (manager)
REPORT – BY ENGLAND TEAM MEMBER JAKE WENMAN
RESULTS
A total of 24 anglers will qualify from the South heats to compete in the Bank Final (South) at Ellerdine Lakes on Sunday 1st March 2026.
A total of 24 anglers will qualify from the North heats to compete in the Bank Final (North) at Chatton Trout Fishery on Sunday 8th March 2026.
There will be 12 anglers qualify from the North Final and 12 anglers qualify from the South Final to fish in the Grand Final at Thrunton Long Cragg on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
All matches fished to AT TEFF Bank Rules
Qualifiers scoring highest in their respective event will be invited to their regional final.
Fish counted per stand/peg, on a catch & release basis.
QUALIFIER INFORMATION
Entry Fee: £30.00
Fishing Fee: Payable direct to Fishery either before or on the morning of the match.
Max entries: 18
Practice: no cut-off for practice. Arrangement directly with the host fishery.
Please contact Match Organiser Bruce Blackshaw for further details – 07415 301 918.
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 http://www.anglingtrust.net/membership 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 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. Enter via the Competitions page on the Angling Trust website here>> and from there, on the individual pages for each competition (see below).
BANK QUALIFIERS – SOUTH HEATS
November 2025
Sunday 2nd November – Elinor Trout Fishery – Enter here>>
Sunday 16th November – Barrow Tanks – Enter here>>
Sunday 30th November – Walthamstow Reservoir – Enter here>>
December 2025
Sunday 7th December – Innis Fishery – Enter here>>
January 2026
Sunday 11th January – Farmoor Reservoir – Enter here>>
February 2026
Sunday 8th February – Summerfields Trout Fishery – Enter here>>
March 2026
Sunday 1st February – Bank Final (South) – Ellerdine Lakes
BANK QUALIFIERS – NORTH HEATS
November 2025
Sunday 2nd November – Press Manor Fishing Lake – Enter here>>
Sunday 16th November – Bank House Fly Fishery – Enter here>>
Sunday 30th November – Knitsley Trout Fishery – Enter here>>
December 2025
Sunday 7th December – Westlow Mere – Enter here>>
January 2026
Sunday 25th January – Sharpley Springs – Enter here>>
February 2026
Sunday 1st February – Bank House Fishery – Enter here>>
Sunday 8th February – Knitsley Trout Fishery – Enter here>>
March 2026
Sunday 8th March – Bank Final (North) – Chatton Trout Fishery
GRAND FINAL – Sunday 22nd March – Thrunton Long Cragg
Asturias, Spain – 28th September-4th October
The 10th FIPS-Mouche Masters World Fly Fishing Championships (for competitors aged over 50) was held in Asturias, Spain, from 28th September-4th October 2025.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
Australia – Belgium – Czech Republic – England – Finland – France – Ireland – Italy – Netherlands – South Africa – Spain – USA
AT Team England FF was represented by: Tony Baldwin, Alan Clark, Jay Curry, Bernie Maher & Mark Withyman (captain/manager)
PROGRAMME
Day 1 – Sunday, Sept 28, 2025
10:00am-12:00pm: Registration at the Hotel
3:00pm: Captains’ Meeting & Draw
6:00pm: Opening Ceremony
9:00pm: Opening Dinner at the Hotel
Day 2 – Monday Sept 29, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm: Session on the Rivers
10:00-11:00am: 1st Session on Lake
11:15am-12:15pm: 2nd Session on Lake
12:30-1:30pm: 3rd Session on Lake
1:45-2:45pm: 4th Session on Lake
9:00pm: Dinner at Hotel
Day 3 – Tuesday Sept 30, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm: Session on the Rivers
10:00-11:00am: 1st Session on Lake
11:15am-12:15pm: 2nd Session on Lake
12:30-1:30pm: 3rd Session on Lake
1:45-2:45pm: 4th Session on Lake
9:00pm: Dinner at Hotel
Day 4 – Wednesday Oct 1, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm: Session on the Rivers
10:00-11:00am: 1st Session on Lake
11:15am-12:15pm: 2nd Session on Lake
12:30-1:30pm: 3rd Session on Lake
1:45-2:45pm: 4th Session on Lake
9:00pm: Dinner at Hotel
Day 5 – Thursday Oct 2, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm: Session on the Rivers
10:00-11:00am: 1st Session on Lake
11:15am-12:15pm: 2nd Session on Lake
12:30-1:30pm: 3rd Session on Lake
1:45-2:45pm: 4th Session on Lake
9:00pm: Dinner at Hotel
Day 6 – Friday Oct 3, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm: Session on the Rivers
10:00-11:00am: 1st Session on Lake
11:15am-12:15pm: 2nd Session on Lake
12:30-1:30pm: 3rd Session on Lake
1:45-2:45pm: 4th Session on Lake
7:00pm: Closing Ceremony
8:00pm: Closing Banquet
Day 7 – Saturday Oct 4, 2025
Breakfast & Departure
RESULTS
Session 1
England started the competition with a 4th place for Bernie Maher on the River Trubia with 6 fish, a 6th for Alan Clark on the River Piloña, Piloña, and a 10th= place for Jay Curry on the River Caudal, Morcin. On the River Caudal, Mieres, and on the River Pilona, Parres, Tony Baldwin and Mark Withyman both failed to catch. England were lying in 11th place out of 12 teams with 44 placing points. Spain were leading the team rankings with 9 placing points, ahead of France on 16pts, and Italy on 22pts. Ireland were 6th with 35 placing points.
Session 2
The second session saw Tony Baldwin catch two fish on the River Piloña, Parres, for 7th place, while Mark Withyman came 10th on the River Trubia, Trubia, and Alan Clark 11th on the River Caudal, Mieres. Jay Curry was one of three anglers to blank on the River Piloña, Piloña, while Bernie Maher also failed to catch on the River Caudal, Morcin. England remained in 11th place with 96 placing points, while Ireland moved up to 4th with 57pts, behind Italy 3rd on 40pts, France 2nd with 39pts and Spain 1st on 27pts. Jose Manuel Socastro Gens (Spain) led the Individual rankings with 2 placing points, one ahead of Juan Miguel Barrienties (Spain) on 3pts, and Stephane Poirrot (France) also on 3pts.
Session 3
Mark Withyman won his group in the third session with nine fish on the River Caudal, Morcin, while Tony Baldwin came 9th on the River Trubia, Trubia, with Bernie Maher 10th= on the River Piloña, Piloña. Jay Curry and Alan Clark both failed to catch on the River Caudal, Mieres and the River Piloña, Parres. England remained in 11th place with 140 placing points, while Ireland dropped to 5th place, despite a section win for Campbell Baird on the River Piloña, Parres. Spain continued to dominate the Team rankings, with 37pts for 1st place, ahead of Italy 2nd with 60pts and France 3rd on 62pts. Individually, Jose Manuel Socastro Gens (Spain) added another section win to his tally to remain in 1st place with 3 placing points, with Juan Jose De La Fuente (Spain) 2nd on 4pts, ahead of Pat Weiss (USA) in 3rd and Juan Miguel Barrienties (Spain) 4th, both on 5pts.
Session 4
Mark Withyman followed his win in the last session with another 1st place, this time on the River Piloña, Piloña, while Tony Baldwin came 7th on the River Caudal, Morcin, and Alan Clark 9th on the River Trubia, Trubia. Bernie Maher and Jay Curry both failed to catch, on the River Caudal, Mieres, and the River Piloña, Parres. England remained in 11th position with 181 placing points, while Ireland stayed at 5th with 120pts. Spain continued to lead the competition with 57pts, with Italy 2nd on 81pts, just one ahead of France in 3rd. Jose Manuel Socastro Gens and Juan Jose De La Fuente (Spain) were both contesting the two top individual places, with 6 placing points each, with Pat Weiss (USA) 3rd with 8pts.
Session 5
A better performance by England saw a 2nd place for Bernie Maher, with four fish, on the River Piloña, Parres, while Mark Withyman came 3rd on the River Caudal, Mieres, Alan Clark was 4th on the River Caudal, Morcin, and Tony Baldwin 5th on the River Piloña, Piloña, Even though Jay Curry failed to catch on the River Trubia, Trubia, England were the 4th best performing team in the session, which pushed them up into 9th place for the competition with 207 placing points, with Ireland 5th with 158pts. Spain are the 2025 World Master Team Champions with 74 placing points, with France 2nd with 90pts and Italy 3rd with 107pts. The Individual Champion is Juan Jose De La Fuente (Spain) with 9 placing points, one ahead of his team-mate Jose Manuel Socastro Gens on 10pts, with Pat Weiss (USA) 3rd, also on 10pts.
SECTORS
Sector 1. River Piloña, Piloña
The Río Piloña, in the municipality of Piloña in Asturias, is considered one of the more famous trout rivers in the region and offers good fly-fishing prospects. The river includes several designated trout fishing beats, some under “traditional” rules (where fish may be kept) and others under catch and release. These beats vary in length, often a few kilometres, and are restricted in numbers of lines or rods, especially in the more prized stretches. As far as gear, lighter fly rods are well suited, especially when fishing smaller nymphs or emergers in clear pools. Dry fly fishing is also possible under certain rules or in appropriate stretches.
Target Fish Species: Brown Trout
Sector 2. River Caudal, Mieres
Fly-fishing on the Río Caudal near Mieres in Asturias offers anglers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty. Formed by the confluence of the Aller and Lena rivers, the Caudal flows for just over 20kms before joining the Nalón, with about 14kms running through Mieres. While stretches close to town show signs of mining history and concrete embankments, upstream reaches and less developed banks are lined with willows, alders, and ash trees that provide shade, insect life, and good cover for trout. Light tackle—rods in the 4-6 weight range—is ideal, with small mayfly, caddis, and midge imitations or weighted nymphs for deeper runs. Mornings and evenings, when trout feed more actively, are often most productive
Target Fish Species: Brown Trout
Sector 3. River Piloña, Parres
The Río Piloña near Parres (Arriondas) offers fly-fishing opportunities that combine scenic beauty, good fish populations and a varied river structure. The Piloña is tributary to the Sella, flowing from its source in Piloña and Nava through Parres, finally joining the Sella in Arriondas. The flow is quite seasonal, with modest discharge in summer but potential for much higher water after rainfall.
Fly-anglers will find a mix of river features: riffles and runs, deeper pools, gravel beds and vegetated banks, particularly upstream. Gear-wise, lightweight tackle (rods in the 4-6 wt range) works well. Dry flies and emergers are effective during insect hatches; small nymphs are useful in deeper water and when clarity drops. Best fishing tends to occur early morning or toward dusk.
Target Fish Species: Brown Trout
Sector 4. Trubia River
Fly-fishing on the Río Trubia near Trubia, Asturias offers a mix of pristine mountain waters, strong conservation, and opportunity for serious anglers. The Trubia, a tributary of the Nalón, runs through municipalities such as Quirós, Proaza, Santo Adriano and Oviedo, rising high in the mountains and flowing through terrain that alternates between steep gradient riffles, deeper pools, and well-covered riparian zones. Flow can be quite variable: when rains are heavy upstream, water rises and turbidity increases, making heavier flies or subsurface tactics more effective. During calmer and clearer periods, stealth, presentation, and using lightweight tackle (4-6 wt rods) are advantageous.
Target Fish Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Sector 5. River Caudal, Morcín
Fly-fishing the Río Caudal around Morcín in Asturias offers a somewhat different feel compared with more trafficked stretches near Mieres. Morcín lies higher, and the river and its tributaries in this area tend to run through more rugged terrain, with steeper gradients, forested slopes, and less industrial modification. This often means cleaner water, more natural habitat, and potentially more challenging but rewarding fishing. In terms of gear, lighter fly rods (around 4-6 weight) are again appropriate; stealth is important upstream where water is clearer and pools more confined. Early morning and late in the day are the best times.
Target Fish Species: Brown Trout
You will find more information on their website here>>
This was held at Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland on 28th September 2025.
Match Start: 10:00am
Match End: 6:00pm
Venue: Rutland Water
The top 28 anglers will make up, after ratification by AT TEFF, next year’s two England Loch-style Home International teams. (You should be aware that membership of the teams comes with commitments around training sessions, squad days and possibly future fund-raising events).
SIGNING IN
DOWN AT THE JETTY
WELCOME
PRE-MATCH BRIEFING
‘AND THEY’RE OFF’
TEFF TV
RESULTS
REPORT
100 anglers caught 499 fish – average 5. The day started with heavy rain which gave way to clouds and full sun by 2:00pm. The fish responded to the warmer temperatures at that time, and this is when most fish were caught. Top area was Whitwell Creek and along to Stockie Bay, but most fish were caught close to the bank using shrimp or dry fly tactics. The top two anglers, Jake Wenman and Frank Sumnall, shared a boat and fished this area, with Jake coming out on top by just 2lb 3ozs.
Jake was presented with the National Final Champions trophy, along with a special tankard to keep – this was donated by TEFF’s Marketing and Sponsorship Officer, Keith Wallace.
At the after match presentation a special thank you gift was given to local organiser Peter Hartley who, year in year out, dedicates so much of his time to organising these events.
The two teams will now travel to Llyn Trawsfynydd in Wales in the Spring next year, or to Lough Leane in South West Ireland in the Autumn.
Ian Colclough – National Event Organiser
Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing 