River Close season appliesWQ: Moderate Free fishing available
About River Tees
The Tees is a productive 16km coarse and game fishery holding carp, barbel, bream, chub, pike, grayling, trout and salmon across moderate-quality water. Most fishing rights are controlled by clubs or private owners, requiring both club membership/permission and a valid rod licence.
The statutory close season on River Tees runs 15 March – 15 June (rivers, England & Wales). No coarse fishing is permitted during this period. Free fishing is available on sections of River Tees — a valid EA rod licence is still required. Information is dated (2009-2020) and may be outdated. Local tackle shops should be consulted for confirmation before fishing these stretches. Most of the river is controlled by local angling clubs, so many stretches require permits or memberships. An EA rod licence is required to fish in rivers, and you must have rights of access to the bank. Some free stretches may have residency restrictions or access limitations.
Carp are a popular target on River Tees — handle carefully with a landing net and unhooking mat, and return promptly.
Salmon fishing on River Tees requires a separate migratory salmonid licence from the EA in addition to the standard rod licence. Bag limits and season dates apply.
Trout fishing on River Tees may be subject to season restrictions set by the local club or riparian owner — always confirm before your session.
An EA rod licence is required by law to fish River Tees, even on free fishing stretches.
Free Fishing on River Tees
Information is dated (2009-2020) and may be outdated. Local tackle shops should be consulted for confirmation before fishing these stretches. Most of the river is controlled by local angling clubs, so many stretches require permits or memberships. An EA rod licence is required to fish in rivers, and you must have rights of access to the bank. Some free stretches may have residency restrictions or access limitations.
Known free fishing stretches:
Broken Scar, Darlington: Below the weir to about 400 yards past the Gravel works (opposite bank). Park at pump house car park. Reportedly for Darlington residents only in recent times
Croft, Durham: Durham bank upstream from the road bridge. Short stretch reported as free fishing
Yarm: Upstream from the road bridge on the south bank. Town side only
Preston Park, Stockton: Free fishing access within Preston Park area along the river
Neasham: Bit along the green reportedly has free fishing. Anecdotal reports with no signs posted
Bowesfield/Ingleby/Thornaby: Stretch from pipe bridge above Queen Elizabeth bridge to A66 bridge reportedly free to fish in recent years
A valid EA rod licence is still required on all free fishing stretches. You can buy your licence online before your visit.
River Tees — Photography
Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch in River Tees?+
The river holds Carp, Barbel, Bream, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Dace, Perch, Pike, Gudgeon, Grayling, Trout, Salmon, Eel. Carp are a popular target — handle carefully and return promptly. Salmon fishing requires a separate migratory fish licence in addition to the standard rod licence. Trout fishing on River Tees may be subject to season restrictions — check local byelaws.
What is the close season on River Tees?+
15 March – 15 June (rivers, England & Wales) Always confirm with the landowner or club before fishing out of normal season.
Do I need a licence to fish River Tees?+
Yes — a valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required by law to fish River Tees. Licences are available online from gov.uk. Some stretches of River Tees offer free fishing (beyond the rod licence).
What is the water quality like in River Tees?+
The Environment Agency classifies River Tees as having Moderate water quality. Fish status is rated as Poor. Water quality can affect fishing conditions — check the EA's Catchment Data Explorer for up-to-date information.
Where is free fishing available on River Tees?+
Free fishing stretches on River Tees include: Broken Scar, Darlington: Below the weir to about 400 yards past the Gravel works (opposite bank). Park at pump house car park. Reportedly for Darlington residents only in recent times; Croft, Durham: Durham bank upstream from the road bridge. Short stretch reported as free fishing; Yarm: Upstream from the road bridge on the south bank. Town side only. A valid EA rod licence is still required on all stretches.
Planning a Trip to River Tees
To fish River Tees, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. Some stretches of River Tees offer free fishing — a rod licence is still required.
Always check conditions before you visit. Water quality, access and rules can change seasonally. The EA's Catchment Data Explorer provides up-to-date water quality information for River Tees.
Nearby Rivers & Canals
Other UK fishing waters near River Tees on PiscaMaps:
