Gainford Riverside – River Tees from St Mary's Well to Barforth Wath

River level

The lowdown

• The stretch starts at St Mary’s Well below Gainford Churchyard and runs upstream to Barforth Wath. The upstream boundary sits beside the downstream cemetery fence line.
• This is proper private riverbank, even though there’s a public footpath nearby. Access is on foot via the path behind St Mary’s Church or from School Lane in Gainford.
• There’s no vehicle access to the riverside, so expect a bit of a carry. Leave the car behind and take your kit in sensibly.
• The facts don’t give peg numbers or a detailed swim map, so you’ll need to read the water on the day. Look for the crease, steady glides and any depth or pace changes.
• All legal baits and angling methods are allowed, apart from natural minnow, fry, prawn and shrimp. Nice and flexible, then, whether you fancy trotting or feeder work.
• Spinning lures are banned for trout, grayling and coarse fish at all times. Salmon spinning is also prohibited before 16 June, so check the calendar before reaching for the lure box.
• Seasonal rules are important here. Salmon and sea trout are closed from 1 November to 31 January, trout from 1 October to 21 March, and coarse fish and grayling from 15 March to 15 June.
• Coarse fish must go straight back. Migratory fish, trout and grayling must not be returned or restrained in a keepnet. There are also size limits and daily limits to follow.
• The Tees can rise quickly, and there are no life aids beside the river. Keep dogs under control, stay sensible near the water and give the river the respect it deserves.
• Night fishing is banned from midnight to 6am. No camping, fires, barbecues, swimming or cycling either, apart from infants accompanied by parents.

Methods: All legal baits and angling methods are allowed, except natural minnow, fry, prawn and shrimp. Trotting, feeder fishing and other coarse approaches are permitted, but spinning restrictions apply to trout, grayling, coarse fish and salmon.

Access & tickets

Daily and annual permits are available from Gainford Riverside Trust. Children under 12 must obtain a zero-cost permit; concessionary rates apply to people over 65 and children aged 12–15.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Fishing is by permit only, and permit holders must also have an Environment Agency rod licence.
• Permit holders must show proof of purchase and identification if requested.
• Natural minnow, fry, prawn and shrimp are prohibited.
• Spinning lures are prohibited for trout, grayling and coarse fish at all times; spinning for salmon is prohibited before 16 June.
• Salmon and sea trout are closed from 1 November to 31 January inclusive; trout from 1 October to 21 March inclusive; coarse fish and grayling from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Coarse fish must be returned unharmed. Migratory fish, trout and grayling must not be returned or restrained in a keepnet.
• The daily limit is two trout or grayling and one salmon or sea trout in total. The annual-season limit is four salmon or sea trout.
• No swimming, camping, nudity, fires or barbecues. Dogs must be kept under control and cycling is not allowed except for infants accompanied by parents.

Where it is