The Angling Trust has confirmed details for the SilverFish 2026 competition, which returns this winter with a packed calendar of qualifiers and a bigger prize fund.
With an estimated £10,000 up for grabs and one of the most distinctive trophies in the sport, the event has become a key feature of the winter match calendar. The Grand Final is once again set for Meadowlands Fishery on Saturday, 7th March 2026, preceded by a final practice match the day before.
SilverFish 2026 Format and Key Changes
This year sees 20 qualifiers scheduled between October and February, offering anglers plenty of opportunities to secure a place in the final. Following angler feedback, several adjustments have been made:
- Bloodworm and joker are banned across all qualifiers and the final.
- Four new venues have been added to the rota.
- Later start times will apply at most matches, with draws generally at 08:30 and fishing from 10:30 to 15:30.
What remains the same is the popular section format, with each 15-peg section winner advancing to the Grand Final. Entry fees are also unchanged at £30 for Angling Trust members and £45 for non-members, with optional £20 pools on the day.
SilverFish 2026 Qualifier Venues
The 2026 competition begins on Sunday, 5th October 2025 at Bishops Bowl Fishery and continues through a varied list of leading venues including Barston Lakes, Boddington Reservoir, Moorlands Farm, Lindholme Lakes, and Hayfield Lakes.
Highlights include a double qualifier on Saturday, 8th November, split between Castle Ashby Fishery and Aston Park Fisheries, while Meadowlands hosts two key rounds in November and March.
The full list of SilverFish 2026 qualifiers is as follows:
- Sunday 5th October – Bishops Bowl Fishery
- Wednesday 8th October – Barston Lakes
- Sunday 19th October – Tamar Reservoir
- Wednesday 22nd October – Boddington Reservoir
- Saturday 25th October – Moorlands Fishery
- Sunday 2nd November – St Albans Lakes
- Saturday 8th November – Castle Ashby Fishery
- Saturday 8th November – Aston Park Fisheries
- Saturday 15th November – Meadowlands Fishery
- Saturday 22nd November – Makins Fishery
- Sunday 30th November – Floatfish Farm
- Saturday 6th December – The Glebe
- Sunday 7th December – Lindholme Lakes
- Sunday 14th December – Bradshaw Hall Fishery
- Sunday 21st December – Springvale Fishing Lakes
- Saturday 10th January – Hallcroft Fishery
- Saturday 17th January – Riddings Fishery
- Sunday 25th January – Springvale Fishing Lakes
- Saturday 7th February – Hayfield Lakes
- Wednesday 4th March – Meadowlands Fishery
SilverFish 2026 Qualifier Tickets
Tickets are available now via the Angling Trust website. Anglers should log in and select the relevant member or non-member option when booking. SilverFish 2026 rules can be found here.
With a strong list of venues, unchanged entry fees, and a prize fund expected to top £10,000, SilverFish 2026 is set to be the biggest edition yet.