Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing

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

AT TEFF was 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>>

You can also follow the team on their Facebook page here>>

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

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.

Team England Fly Fishing is proud to announce a new supporter, The Peacock at Rowsley. Set in the heart of the Peak District, and famous for its fly fishing, The Peacock is giving Team England FF a discount on accommodation only. This is a heritage luxury hotel and restaurant, where hospitality and timeless history meet. And you can relax in glorious surroundings.

Team England Fly Fishing would like to thank Mr Simon Caddy, who has stood down from being the England Rivers Manager, for all his hard work and dedication to the Rivers Team. In response to this Team England Fly Fishing are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Paul Baker as the New Rivers Team Manager for 2026, we wish Paul Baker Good luck and Tight Lines for the future.

Yours Sincerely,

Keith Wallace, Sponsorship & Marketing

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/man-to-lead-england-fly-fishing-team-set-to-make-first-trip-back-to-country-he-served-in/164gnwm

The BBC also has coverage of Del here>>

Veteran heads back to Bosnia for fishing champs

Del Spry completed three tours of the Balkans in the 1990s and early 2000s

Mark McAlindon and Hannah Mitchell, North East and Cumbria

An army veteran who served in the Bosnian war is to return to the country to compete in the European Fly Fishing Championship.

Derek Spry, known as Del, is the captain of the England team.

The former soldier, from Carlisle, served with the UN Forces during the Bosnian war, and his return for the competition in June will be the first time he has visited the country since then.

“I said I never wanted to go back,” Spry said. “The destruction throughout the country was eye-opening.”

He completed three tours of the Balkans in the 1990s and early 2000s.

“The difference I saw was quite dramatic in terms of the country’s recovery,” he said.

“I initially wasn’t going to go back, but I know some of the Bosnian fishing team and they say it’s a nice place these days.

“Twenty-five years later, I think it’s going to be a nice experience.”

Spry said the competition would be “tough”

Spry also served in Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, where he was injured by an improvised explosive device.

The veteran first started fly-fishing when he was 12 and found returning to the sport after serving in the army to be “very relaxing”.

“Getting in the river, three hours can fly by,” he said. “It’s almost like meditation – the focus on everything, making a nice cast, tying flies, changing flies and trying to trick a wild fish into taking it.”

The 30th European Fly Fishing Championship will be held in Mostar and Livno regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, with teams competing on the Buna River and Mostar Lake in Mostar, and the Sturba River in Livno.

“It’s going to be tough,” Spry said. “A lot of the other teams have easier access to fishing in those kinds of rivers than we have. They have a lot of skills, a lot of experience, a lot of funding.

“But we’ve got a pretty good team and we’ll do our best.”