Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing

Lee Cartmail is looking for 20 controllers for the up and coming Bank Home International at Ellerdine Lakes, Telford, on Wednesday 23rd October. AT TEFF will pay £35 to cover any out of pocket expenses.
Contact Lee direct on leecartmail@gmail.com for more details on supporting/volunteering.

The 43rd FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships took place in Occitanie, France, from the 22nd to the 30th June 2024.

AT TEFF was represented by: Howard Croston (Manager & Captain), James Atkinson, Tony Baldwin, Sean Brooks, Scott Nellins & Chris Richardson

Envirofil Ltd & Puraflow Ltd are delighted to be Sponsors of the England World Fly Fishing Team

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Australia – Belgium – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Canada – Czech Republic – England – Finland – France – Ireland – Italy – Latvia – Lithuania – Mongolia – Norway – Poland – Portugal – New Zealand – The Netherlands – Romania – Slovakia – South Africa – Spain – Sweden – USA

RESULTS

Session 1

In the opening session Scott Nellins gained a 6th place on the Camporells Lakes with 12 fish, while Howard Croston came 14th on the Aude River. Chris Richardson was 15th on the Tet River, with James Atkinson 16th on the Vicdessos River, and Sean Brooks 21st= on the Carlits Lakes. England were lying in 15th place with 69 placing points. Ireland got off to a great start, and were 2nd on 22 points, just three behind the leaders France on 19 points, and five ahead of Spain in 3rd place with 27 points, with the USA 4th and Italy 5th.

Session 2

The second session saw Scott Nellins finish 5th on the Aude River with 17 fish, and James Atkinson scoring a 7th place on the Carlits Lakes. Tony Baldwin was 12th on the Camporells Lakes, while on the other river sectors Sean Brooks was 18th on the Tet River, and Howard Croston 20th on the Vicdessos River. England moved up one place to 14th, while Ireland slipped from 2nd to 5th. With two 1st places and three 2nds France put in another strong performance to widen the gap between them and Italy in 2nd place with 54 points, the USA in 3rd with 63 points, and Spain 4th on 65 points. Sebastien Delcor of France led the Individual rankings, with Lubos Roza (Czech Republic) 2nd, both with two 1st places, and Michael Bradley of the USA 3rd with 3 placing points.

Session 3

In the third session Howard Croston landed 12 fish to come 6th on the Carlits Lakes, while Sean Brooks took 9 on the Camporells Lakes to finish 9th. On the river sectors Scott Nellins came 18th on the Vicdessos River, with James Atkinson also 18th on the Tet River, and Chris Richardson 21st on the Aude River. England remained in 14th place, with Ireland dropping a couple of places to 7th. France maintained their healthy lead in 1st place, with 47 placing points, ahead of Spain, who overtook Italy to move into 2nd place with 96 points, with the USA 3rd on 101 points, the Czech Republic 4th on 112 points, and Australia 5th with 117 points, three ahead of Italy in 6th place. Individually, a 2nd place in his session kept Sebastien Delcor (France) at the top of the placings on 4 points, with Dick Stewart (Australia) in 2nd with 5 points, and Michael Bradley (USA) 3rd, also with 5 points. Two more members of the French team, Pierre Kuntz and Gregoire Juglaret, were close behind in 4th and 5th.

Session 4

A better session for England saw Sean Brooks come 3rd on the Aude River with 18 fish, with Howard Croston finishing 5th on the Tet River with 12 fish, and James Atkinson also scoring a 5th place on the Camporells Lakes with 10 fish. Elsewhere, Scott Nellins came 10th= on the Carlits Lakes, with Chris Richardson 19th= on the Vicdessos River. Despite this, England remained in 14th place, with Ireland also not moving from their 7th spot. Three 1sts, a 2nd and a 3rd saw France remain comfortable leaders with 55 placing points, ahead of Spain 2nd with 137 points, the USA 3rd with 152 points, and Italy in 4th place with 161 points. Individually, the top four positions did not change, with Sebastien Delcor (France) 1st on 7 placing points, Michael Bradley (USA) 2nd, also with 7 points, Pierre Kuntz (France) 3rd with 8 points, and Gregoire Juglaret (France) 4th on 9 points.

Session 5

In the final session Howard Croston scored a 4th place on the Camporells Lakes with 13 fish, while Tony Baldwin came 8th on the Carlits Lakes with 7 fish. On the river sectors Scott Nellins finished 8th on the Tet River, with Sean Brooks 16th on the Vicdessos River, and James Atkinson 19th on the Aude River. England moved up one place to finish the championship in 13th position, while Ireland also moved up a spot to end up 6th. France put in another spectacular performance to become World Champions with 62 placing points, ahead of Spain in silver with 156 points, and the USA in bronze with 182 points, with the Czech Republic 4th on 190 points, and Australia 5th with 214 points. Individually, France made it a 1-2-3 with Pierre Kuntz the Individual World Champion on 9 placing points (four 1st places and one 5th), Sebastien Delcor in 2nd with 10 points, and Gregoire Juglaret also on 10 points in 3rd. Michael Bradley (USA) was 4th and Andres Torres (Spain) 5th. Scott Nellins and Howard Croston were England’s top performers.

Fulling Mill Facebook: We’re just wrapping up an incredible week in France with Howard Croston Fly Fishing and Team England filming a documentary series. We’ll be in the editing room for a while, but expect to see the series come out on our YouTube Channel later this year!

Howard Croston Fly Fishing Facebook: An awesome time with the Fulling Mill guys in France for the 43rd World fly fishing championships. If you’ve ever wondered about competition fly fishing at the highest level, this series should give an insight into the highs, lows and challenges of competitive fishing on foreign soil. Should be well worth a watch.

PROGRAMME

Saturday 22nd June
2:00pm Welcome to Officials & Teams (Chalet des Airelles)
6:00pm Opening Ceremony (Place de Font Romeu)
7:30pm Opening Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Sunday 23rd June
10:00am Briefing for Managers & Captains (Chalet des Airelles)
1:00-2:00pm Lunch (Chalet des Airelles)
3:00pm ‘Environment’ conference (Chalet des Airelles)
7:00-9:00pm Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Monday 24th June: First competition session
8:45-10:45am 12:00-2:00pm River
8:30-9:30am 10:15-11:15am 12:00-1:00pm 1:45-2:45pm Lake
7:00-9:00pm Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Tuesday 25th June: Second competition session
8:45-10:45am 12:00-2:00pm River
8:30-9:30am 10:15-11:15am 12:00-1:00pm 1:45-2:45pm Lake
7:00-9:00pm Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Wednesday 26th June: Third competition session
8:45-10:45am 12:00-2:00pm River
8:30-9:30am 10:15-11:15am 12:00-1:00pm 1:45-2:45pm Lake
7:00-9:00pm Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Thursday 27th June: Fourth competition session
8:45-10:45am 12:00-2:00pm River
8:30-9:30am 10:15-11:15am 12:00-1:00pm 1:45-2:45pm Lake
7:00-9:00pm Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Friday 28th June: Fifth competition session
8:45-10:45am 12:00-2:00pm River
8:30-9:30am 10:15-11:15am 12:00-1:00pm 1:45-2:45pm Lake
7:00-9:00pm Dinner (Chalet des Airelles)

Saturday 29th June
1:30-2:30pm Lunch (Chalet des Airelles)
3:00pm ‘Environment’ conference (Chalet des Airelles)
6:00pm Closing Ceremony (Place de Font-Romeu & Chalet des Airelles)

Sunday 30th June
08:00-9:30am Breakfast (Chalet des Airelles)
Departure of Participants

VENUE & SECTORS

Keith Wallace (AT TEFF Marketing & Sponsorship) reports: The 43rd World Fly Fishing Championship, WFFC France 2024 will be set in the Pyrenees and the Aude foothills. The mountain ecosystem, at altitudes of 300 to over 3,000 metres, offers a diversity of habitats and a rich biodiversity. The presence of numerous nature reserves, classified natural sites and Natura 2000 sites are all indicators of this exceptional biodiversity. In fact, the championship could potentially take place on several classified sites or Natura 2000 areas (mountain lakes, river sectors), with their recognised and sometimes fragile biological wealth.
During your visit to the championships, you may encounter a number of species that are emblematic of the Pyrenees. Isard (cousin of the Alpine chamois) and ibex on the mountain pastures and summits, over-flown by large birds of prey including the mythical golden eagle and bearded vulture. The marmot will bring you out of your reverie and encourage you to contemplate the rich flora of the plateaux and riverbanks: lilies, irises, gentian, ramonde and many orchids will be present in June.
If you look down into the rivers, you’ll find two species endemic to the Pyrenees, the desman (an aquatic small mammal) and the calotriton (an amphibian), which are very difficult to watch. You may find it easier to follow the tracks of the otter, which is very present in all sections of the river, or the ballet of the common dipper!

The main rivers and sectors selected for the championship include:

Vicdessos River (Sector 1): Located in the Ariege department and very close to the small principality of Andorra, the Vicdessos River is a small granitic stone river (acidic soil), about 15 meters wide, of glacial origin, situated within the Regional Natural Park of the Pyrenees of Ariege. This river hosts a healthy population of Mediterranean-origin striped brown trout, also known as zebra trout. Effective flies in this river include CDC patterns such as mayfly spinners or caddis. Pumpkin, black, and red-coloured Perdigones, and those with an orange collar, are also highly effective.

The Calit Lakes (Sector 2): In the high Cerdanya, near the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, there are a series of mountain lakes frequented by hikers, with a circuit covering a total of 12 lakes. A selected series of lakes in this environment will serve as the second sector of the championship. In these lakes, trout often patrol the shores and are frequently caught in plain sight. Small nymphs or even ants are used for this purpose. Fishing with intermediate lines is also common when the fish are not active. Brown and rainbow trout can be found in these lakes.

Têt River (Sector 3): The Têt River is regulated for electricity generation, ensuring a more stable flow. Located near the Mediterranean sea, it flows near the town of Prepiñan. This river, with beautiful Romanesque bridges, like the one in Villefranche-de-Conflent, is an ideal spot for dry fly and Duo fishing. Anglers can catch brown trout in its waters.

Camporells Lakes (Sector 4): Camporells Lakes are high-altitude lakes located in the Eastern Pyrenees, near Puigcerda. Surrounded by an impressive alpine landscape at the base of Pic Péric, these lakes, like those in Carlit, occasionally witness brown trout hunting along the shores for insects and small larvae. When the fish are less active, anglers use nymphs with sinking lines of varying degrees. These lakes are home to beautiful brown trout.

Aude River (Sector 5): The Aude is a river that gives its name to the department it flows through. In its upper reaches, the river is between 5 and 10 metres wide. It has the profile of a mountain stream, with a steep gradient and cool, oxygenated waters that are ideal for brown trout. In the downstream section, the river widens out and becomes a plain lowland stream with a much gentler gradient. The profile is completely different from the upper part and more suited to the development of grayling.

You will find more information on the Championship website here>> and on their Facebook page here>>

Country: ENGLAND
Venue: River Tees (upper)
Dates: 19th to 22nd June (incl.)
Match date: Friday 21st June
Accommodation: The George Inn, Piercebridge

IRELAND TAKE THE GOLD

RESULTS

AT TEFF was represented by: Brian Lillie (captain), Peter Buckey, Paul Fairhurst, Tom Hunt, Kevin Moran, Gavin Walsh (reserve), and Paul Page (manager).

The Angling Trust reports: It’s match day and after this week of tactical analysis and fly tying, the four teams are down to business.
Pictures show England’s Tom Hunt, quartering through his peg on D section.
As ever, the Tees trout are playing ball, however not all sections are stuffed with fish.
During the 1st AM session some anglers worked super hard to put a fish in the net.
While other areas needed at least eight to keep up with the rods around them.
It’s all to play for, and the PM sessions start at three fifteen, so more news later this evening.

Team Manager Paul Page reports: The International match day on Friday found the weather set bright and sunny all day, light winds and the river level fallen further. After an early breakfast all competitors arrived at the High Force Hotel to prepare their tackle and meet up with their controllers.
The River Tees from Cauldron Snout down to High Force was divided into 5 beats A-E, the beats were then pegged 1-4 and the 20 Controllers allocated a peg. The pegs being the designated start position for the competitors for the morning and afternoon sessions. The controllers kept the same peg both morning and afternoon, and the competitors changed beats and pegs at lunch time for the afternoon sessions. The championship was fished to IFFA catch and release rules.
The morning sessions started at 09.45 -11.15, 11.15 -12.45.
The end of Session 1 saw Ireland with an early lead with 9 placings and both Scotland (11 placings) and England (12 placings) in close pursuit. 105 fish already on the score card and the temperature rising.
By the end of the Session 2 the leading 3 teams had closed together with only 1 placing point between them. Ireland 21 placings, England 22, Scotland 22 and Wales 35. England winning Session 2 to overtake Scotland.
After lunch, sessions started at 15.15-16.45, 16.45-18.15.
Session 3 kept England close behind Ireland and put a small gap between them and Scotland. Ireland maintaining the lead with 32 placings, England 33, Scotland 35 and Wales now struggling with 50 placings.
With only three placings’ difference between the three leading teams, Session 4 as so often became the one that would make or break team final positions. Considering that 305 fish had already been caught, the teams measured a further 66 fish. Ireland held on to its lead and finished with 42 placings; Scotland managed to overtake England with 46 placings; England, despite catching 10% more fish than any other team, was pipped by 1 placing with 47 placings, and Wales 66 placings.
The Individual winner was Mark Sloan, Ireland, with 29 fish and 5 placings. The top England place was Tom Hunt with 22 fish and 7 placings. Longest fish was caught by Kevin Moran of England, a 31.6cm Brown Trout

(Images: Paul Baker Photography)

England Captain Brian Lillie said after the Championship: “Firstly, it’s been an absolute privilege to both represent and captain this England team. It was an inexperienced team going into the event, with a combined number of only three river caps prior to the event and with three new caps given on the day. This did not matter a jot, and all team members fished brilliantly in the competition. Although we caught comfortably the highest fish numbers, it was a little disappointing that we only took the bronze position, based on the points system adopted, and missing narrowly on the higher medals. Congratulations to Team Ireland on an excellent win. In preparation we lost experienced team member Carl Nixon due to illness, and we wish him well in his recuperation. Howard Croston’s coaching support was also greatly welcomed prior to the event and formed the basis for both practice and match day tactics. Specific congratulations go to Kevin Moran on scooping the largest fish prize, and Tom B Hunt, being top England angler on the day. Gavin Walsh was superb and both Pete Buckey and Paul Fairhurst fished extremely consistently. Paul Page provided sage guidance and the outgoing coordinator Peter Scholes was a great organiser. Good luck Simon Caddy following in his footsteps. As a national team we’ll be back next year with more experience and will hopefully continue to improve results.”

Sponsors

Established in 2014 Hunt’s set out to produce the UK’s first comprehensive range of fly treatments. Hunt’s mission was not only to produce the best, but to be environmentally conscious as well.
Fast forward to today and Hunt’s products are enjoyed worldwide, with an ever-growing base of loyal customers.
Hunt’s are proud sponsors of the 2024 Rivers International and wish all competitors the best of luck. Tight Lines from everyone at Hunt’s.

Following two unacceptable administrative decisions made by me, I have decided that the right thing to do is to resign from my role as TEFF England Team Loch Style manager for the autumn international with immediate effect. I have informed the TEFF Exec, Team Captain and team members. No doubt TEFF will seek a new manager between now and the International in September.
I intend to retain my role as Loch Style Co Ordinator unless asked to stand down by TEFF.
Ian Colclough

Country: ENGLAND
Venue: River Tees (upper)
Dates: 19th to 22nd June (incl.)
Match date: Friday 21st June
Accommodation: The George Inn, Piercebridge

AT TEFF is represented by: Brian Lillie (captain), Peter Buckey, Paul Fairhurst, Tom Hunt, Kevin Moran, Gavin Walsh (reserve), and Paul Page (manager).

The England River International Team, comprising Brian Lillie as Captain, Paul Fairhurst, Pete Buckey, Kevin Moran, Tom Hunt, Gavin Walsh, and Paul Page as Team Manager, settled in on Sunday at their practice digs in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
On Monday the River Tees was high and pushing hard. However, the team commenced their final few days’ practice on non-competition beats to reduce the pressure. Tactics learned from previous training visits to the river continued to work, so it was back to the digs for some further fly tying.
Today, Tuesday, the river had dropped and eased off, although not back to normal June levels. The team practiced on a competition beat to get used to match day timings, finishing today’s practice again on a non-competition beat. Tonight it’s a private dinner and England Team cap and medal presentations.
Tomorrow the team leave for the Official Hotel at The George at Piercebridge.
Paul Page, Team Manager

Yesterday the team moved into the International Hotel, The George at Piercebridge.
Having settled in, the team had their photos taken in their England blazers.
Good news, the river continued to drop and the weather is set to be fine for the last two days.
This morning it was the official IFFA photocall for all four Home Nation Teams with the backdrop of the Piercebridge Roman Bridge. Followed by the traditional “Walking of the Beats” where competitors, now knowing what beat and where they were to start fishing on match day, could finalise their tactics for tomorrow, match day.
Tomorrow, all the team training sessions and individual practices on the River Tees between Cauldron Snout and High Force Waterfall will be put to the test.
Paul Page, Team Manager

England take Silver

Results

1. (Gold) Scotland 109-6-0
2. (Silver) England 57-13-0
3. (Bronze) Wales 40-10-0
4. Ireland 28-15-0

Country: ENGLAND
Venue: River Tees (upper)
Dates: 19th to 22nd June (incl.)
Match date: Friday 21st June
Accommodation: The George Inn, Piercebridge

AT TEFF will be represented by: Brian Lillie (captain), Peter Buckey, Paul Fairhurst, Tom Hunt, Kevin Moran, Gavin Walsh (reserve), and Paul Page (manager).

The event is being organised by Peter Scholes (AT TEFF River International Event Organiser), with the International Fly Fishing Association (IFFA).

The best of luck to everyone taking part.

WELCOME TO RIVER TEES
Raby and Strathmore Estates, High Force, Teesdale, County Durham

Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing (AT TEFF) welcomes all officials, controllers, competitors and their guests to the 2024 International River Fly Fishing Championship.
Teesdale is world famous as a particularly scenic and interesting part of Northern England with many historic attractions to see and country pursuits to participate in.
The River Tees is one of the highlights of the valley with magnificent falls and river views. There has been a large improvement in the wild brown trout in the river over the past few years and Raby Estate continues to make improvements to ensure this trend continues to the benefit of all.
We hope your stay in County Durham is a pleasant one and we wish all teams the very best of luck.

Programme

Wednesday 19th June 2024
09:00 onwards – River Tees: Official practice competition beats.
19:30 – Dinner
21:30 – Officials & Captains meeting / peg draw.

Thursday 20th June 2024
09:15 – Official Photographs at the George Hotel
Rest the river / walk the beats
19:30 – Dinner

Friday 21st June 2024 – Championship Day
09:45-11:15 Session 1
11:15-12:45 Session 2
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:45-16:15 Session 3
16:15-17:45 Session 4
20:45 – International Dinner

Saturday 22nd June 2024
Depart

International Fly Fishing Association – Acknowledgements

To Lord Barnard of Raby Estates and Strathmore Estates who have kindly allowed us to compete on their estate waters of the River Tees for our International Championship.
To the staff at the High Force Hotel who oversee the fishery on behalf of the Raby Estate, and their staff for their invaluable assistance.
To Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing, Pete Scholes, and all their principal controllers for their help and assistance in the planning and organising of the International.
To each Controller for giving their time on match day to enable the competition to take place.
To the Management and Staff of The George Hotel, Piercebridge for their friendly assistance throughout the Championship.
To Paul Baker Photography for their photographic coverage of the Championship.
Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who helped in the preparation & running of the 2024 River International in any way.

Sponsors

Established in 2014 Hunt’s set out to produce the UK’s first comprehensive range of fly treatments. Hunt’s mission was not only to produce the best, but to be environmentally conscious as well.
Fast forward to today and Hunt’s products are enjoyed worldwide, with an ever-growing base of loyal customers.
Hunt’s are proud sponsors of the 2024 Rivers International and wish all competitors the best of luck. Tight Lines from everyone at Hunt’s.

Blithfield – 10th May 2024

Pitsford – 12th May 2024

Sweethope – 19th May 2024

Wimbleball – 19th May 2024

Report: A bright sun and a blustery North Easterly wind made fishing conditions tough… despite that there were some good bags of fish, Oliver Smith won with 27lb 7ozs Alex Venn second with 23lb 8oz Mike Cocks third with 22lb 7oz and Paul Lee fourth with 20lb 4oz Toby Merrigan fifth 20lb 3oz Sam Al-mukntar sixth 11lb 5oz Nigel Evans seventh 9lb 5oz Alex Jackson eighth 5lb 8ozs

Chew – 26th May 2024

Country: IRELAND
Venue: Lough Ennell
Dates: 21st to 25th May (incl.)
Match date: Friday 24th May
Accommodation: Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar

RESULTS

1. Scotland 13 fish 587.9cms 851pts
2. Ireland 8 fish 342.2cms 505pts
3. Wales 4 fish 172.0cms 253pts
4. England 3 fish 130.1cms 191pts

The Brown Bowl (Best Basket): Seamus O’Loughlin (Ireland) & Martin McCafferty (Scotland) – both 2 fish for 93.5cms 134pts
H. Emyr Lewis Trophy (Largest Trout): Seamus O’Loughlin (Ireland) 55.5cms

AT TEFF was represented by: Nick Dunn (captain), Lee Cartmail, Andy Cottam, Peter Eville, Ian Gaskell, Sean Gaskell, Stanley Moore, Gary Morris, John Piper, Jim Rigby, Philip Shaw-Brown, Philip Thompson, Ben Watson, Jake Wenman & Paul Angell (manager).

Keith Wallace reports: The Loch Style International was held on Friday the 24th of May in Ireland on Lough Ennell. England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales fished for the Champions place on this well known Lough. Lough Ennell is a hard place to fish if the fish are not totally switched on and unfortunately this was the case on the day. Our congratulations go out to Scotland who won the competition and all the other teams that took part.