The North West of Ireland will host the 23rd Cortland FIPS-Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championship from 16–22 July 2026. Organised by the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland (TAFI), the international event will be staged across venues in Donegal and Tyrone, bringing together some of the world's top young fly anglers.
The championship follows last year's event in Idaho Falls, USA, and is being delivered with support from Sport Ireland, Donegal Sports Partnership, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Loughs Agency, DAERA Inland Fisheries and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Competition venues include Loughanure, Lough Craighy and Lough Deele in Donegal, together with sections of the Quiggery and Dennet rivers in Tyrone. Organisers say the mix of lake and river fishing will provide a varied test of skill, technique and adaptability. A major addition for 2026 will see two championships run side by side. Alongside the established Under-19 competition, Ireland will host the inaugural Under-24 World Youth Fly Fishing Championship, becoming the first nation selected to stage the new category.
Teams are expected from Ireland, the UK, the United States, France, Spain, South Africa, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIPS-Mouche President Stefan Allacker said Ireland was a fitting venue for the championships. "Ireland has a proud and respected angling heritage, internationally recognised for its beautiful rivers, lakes, and rich fishing traditions," he said. "The unique cross-border nature of this championship, taking place across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, reflects the spirit of cooperation and unity that sport can inspire."
TAFI Chairman Peter Driver said the event was the culmination of many years of work by volunteers. "The hosting of this prestigious world event in Ireland is the result of many years of dedicated voluntary work by TAFI members, both promoting youth angling in Ireland and also sending teams to fish in the World Youth Fly Fishing Championship since they began in 1998," he said.
TAFI International Organiser Alan McDade said Ireland was honoured to host the first Under-24 championship. "It will be a challenge to co-ordinate and deliver both competitions simultaneously, but we have strong expertise and will meet the challenge," he said.
McDade also acknowledged the support of local angling clubs, including Rosses Anglers, Deele Anglers, Finore Anglers and Dennett Anglers. Loughs Agency Chief Executive Sharon McMahon said the championship would showcase the region's fisheries on a global stage while highlighting the importance of sustainable management and international cooperation.
The event is expected to attract competitors, officials and supporters from across Europe, North America and beyond, providing a significant boost for angling tourism in the region.
