Tees South

River level

The lowdown

• The beat starts at Riverview Leisure Park and runs downstream to roughly 300 metres east of Manyfold Beck, near the bend by North Park Cottage on Mortham Lane.
• It’s on the Yorkshire bank, with the club water offering a quiet feel and no crowds. Lovely if you fancy a peaceful day swinging the fly rather than battling for a swim.
• The club describes this part of the Tees as broad pools and runs, so expect a mix of water rather than one single character from top to bottom.
• The upper section contains some very deep pools. Take it steady and check the depth and flow properly before stepping in. No heroics needed.
• Around Abbey Bridge, access is difficult and the river sits beside a sheer cliff face. That bit is very much an assess-it-first job, not a charge-about-with-the-net situation.
• The lower section is easier to reach from the public footpath, and wading is possible down there when conditions allow. Keep an eye on water colour and pace.
• This is fly-only water, aimed at wild brown trout and grayling. Migratory fish may also be present in the wider River Tees, adding a bit of interest as the season rolls on.
• For trout, the listed season runs from 16 April to 30 September. Grayling runs from 16 June to 14 March, while salmon and sea-trout run from 1 February to 31 October.
• Membership is deliberately tight at around 40 rods, which helps keep the stretch nicely secluded. New members can join when a vacancy comes up, and a sponsoring member may be able to arrange a complimentary trial day.

Methods: It’s fly-only, so work the pools and runs with the fly rod, keeping a close eye on depth and conditions before wading. The mix of deep upper pools and more accessible lower water should suit a thoughtful, mobile approach.

Access & tickets

The beat is run by Darlington Fly Fishers Club, whose membership is deliberately limited to approximately 40 rods. Annual subscription is £135; a fully paid-up member may bring a guest by prior arrangement, with a guest day ticket listed at £5. Prospective new members may be offered a complimentary trial day with a sponsoring member.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Fly-only fishing.
• Members must hold an appropriate Environment Agency rod fishing licence.
• Members must follow current statutory byelaws and club rules.
• Members must complete the club catch return.
• Wading is possible on the downstream section, but anglers should assess water depth and river conditions carefully.
• Fully paid-up members may bring a guest by prior arrangement.
• Brown trout season: 16 April to 30 September.
• Salmon and sea-trout season: 1 February to 31 October.
• Grayling season: 16 June to 14 March.

Where it is