Just thought I'd start a thread about the River Tees. This is a lovely river in the NE of England that offers a wide variety of game fishing in some picturesque, unspoilt country. If anyone else fishes this river I;d love to hear their tales, successes, failures, etc

I don;t get many opportunities to fish at the moment because of work commitments. This means that I generally go when I can, irrespective of the conditions, rather than when I want. So, when I managed to squeeze in a couple of hours on Tuesday evening I was both looking forward to getting in the river again, but also not overly optimistic. A strong, cold, blustery wind and a bit of extra water didn't make it look like good fishing conditions.

After a few minutes watching the river from a bridge without seeing a single fish rise I was convinced the fishing was going to be hard. I decided to start just upstream of the bridge and fish a couple of nymphs and a small, black spider. After an hour casting into the wind and struggling to get good line control, without so much as a nibble, I decided to move downstream, below the bridge.

I continued with fishing nymphs upstream and after about 20 mins my line zipped forward and I was rewarded with a plumb little trout of about 12 oz. Although the conditions didn't improve much, in fact the wind seemed to pick up, I slowly found myself getting into a rythym and a succession of trout to about 1 lb came to my net. Changing one nymph to bead-headed red-tag attracted the Grayling and after a couple of small fish I eventually hooked into a really good fish that was not far off the 2lb mark. A beautiful fish and not unusual for the Tees.

Around 8:30 the sun actually broke through and a hatch of dark olives brought the fish to the surface. I switched to an olive klinkhammer and had a frustrating 1/2 hour missing the lightening takes from (mainly small) trout.

I left the river just about 9.00. Although the fishing had been hard work and the conditions unfavourable it was one of my most enjoyable sessions for a while. All the fish went back and I can't wait till I can get back out. With work commitments......it's going to be another 2 weeks before I will.

This has to be one of the best wild fish rivers in the country, not being stocked at all throught its length. I'm going fishing on a private stretch tomorrow. I'll post some pics on what's caught

Nice report and not giving away too much detail regarding locations etc, but ive got to say, if youre used to catching fish of this quality on the Tees you must have golden appendages. My mate and I fish the tees 2-3 times a week every week between us during the season, and id say we do pretty well in terms of numbers and quality, but in my humble opinion, a trout of 1 1/2lbs is a very good fish for the tees, and a 2lber would be exceptional.

But glad to see a report as info is scant for the tees

Rover,
I should have made my report a little cleaer. The "near 2 lb fish" I took was a Grayling. I've had a few Grayling well over a lb from the Tees, mainly from the same stretch. The trout I've had, whilst being plump and feisty fighters, only seem to go to about 1 lb. There may be bigger fish in there, and I've seen one or two good fish rising, but I've yet to catch any.

I don't think I'll be able to get out fishing again for a week or so, but when I do, I'll take a camera. Although Sod's Law then says I'll catch ****** all!!

In the meantime, it would be great to hear from other Tees anglers.

DAS

DAS,

Although I have fished as far upstream as Middleton-in-Teesdale I have yet
to try the water above High Force. On Sunday I walked 14 miles in this area
some of it on the Pennine Way and came across 6 anglers out fishing above
Widdy Bank Farm - one of them said they were out sussing the water for
a competition this coming weekend.

Does anyone have any more information on this water, I know it is about
£12 for a Day Ticket, but where can you purchase these... the area is stunning
and the fishing looks challenging but great fun, they certainly had no problem
finding the fish for the short time I was watching them.

Any info would be gratefully appreciated...

- wildtrout

Here's some info
River Tees, Raby Estate

Great wild trout water - fly only

Day tickets from Raines Ironmongers, 25, Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 0QA Tel: 01833 640406 and Raby Estate Office in Middleton-in-Teesdale or the High Force Shop. You must have your E.A. Licence with you to get a ticket.

I might have a look myself.

Attempted to fish the Tees on Saturday. River was up but a clear as usual. No fish rising, so didn't wet a line. I hope to get back up soon.

Hi Wildtrout
I was one of the guys fishing the Tees at the weekend, it was probably me you spoke to. Day tickets are available from High force gift shop, Raby offices in Middleton, Raines ironmongers in Middleton and possibly also the Langdon Beck hotel. A key is required to access the top stretch, you can get one when you purchase your ticket. There are plenty of fish to go at, mainly in the half to one pound bracket. I've only ever fished the river when it has been carrying extra water, but short line nymphing and the duo seem to work pretty well. The fish are also willing to rise to dries in the less turbulent areas. I've not tried anything other than my usual river patterns. Wading is very difficult though, and care is needed. I've managed to get myself wet on several occasions.

Good to see a thread on the Tees - I fish there occassionally on Bishop Auckland water at Eggleston, so a bit further down from low and high force. Was out last Friday, mainly seeing if there were any salmon about (the locals were out which is normally a sign that there might be fish about, but i saw no sign of one). Fished for trout as well and picked up a few on nymphs.

I believe the northern rivers qualifiying competition is being held on the upper sections - I think this weekend - so it might be busy for a couple of days!

WillB

Do you know what stretches theyre fishing at the weekend ?

Rover