there is plenty of opportunity in the lake district for competition anglers, esthwaite water holds an annual open pairs competition, and is a great practice venue for many of the bigger waters.

Stocks reservoir is just outside the lakes, and is one of the best competition waters in the country.

for those wanting to take it to the next level, there is an england mens team, ladies team, disabled team and youth team. the sites to visit are:

CEFF (confederation of english fly fishers) the main site for all the england teams,

ELFA (england ladies flyfishing association)

EYFA (england youth flyfishing association)

Esthwaite open pairs competition

This is an open pairs competition open to all fly anglers, it is fished to international rules (click here).

there are 6 heats throughout the year, and the grand final is held in september.

there are prizes for the heat winners and for every contestant, aswell as the grand prizes for the final which are:

1st Prize 2 x Gold season permits (£1000) , £300 cash plus tackle prizes

2nd Prize 2 xSilver season tickets (£700) , plus tackle prizes

3rd Prize 2 x Bronze season tickets (£520 ) , plus tackle prizes

for more information, visit http://www.hawksheadtrout.com/competitions.html

a good fish from stocks reservoir