Darlington Anglers' Club River Tees waters — Cleasby to Croft section

The lowdown

• This is the distinct Cleasby-to-Croft portion of the club’s wider River Tees water. It sits in the middle reaches, near Darlington, with Cleasby village right beside the river.
• The club controls roughly nine miles of river fishing in total, plus a six-acre lake. This section runs eastwards towards the confluence with the River Skerne at Croft.
• The Tees here has the sort of proper mixed character you’d expect lower down: steady flowing water, deeper pools and lively runs. A bit of variation to keep you thinking.
• Bankside woodland adds cover and gives the stretch a natural feel. Look for the changes in pace and depth rather than just settling on the nearest comfortable peg.
• The club names brown trout, grayling, salmon and coarse fish across its River Tees waters. So there’s scope for both game and coarse approaches, depending on the time of year and conditions.
• Legitimate fishing methods are allowed unless the club specifically restricts them. Two rods is the maximum at any one time, so keep the setup tidy and within that limit.
• There’s a firm No Kill policy on all club waters. Salmon, sea trout, brown trout, grayling and coarse fish must not be killed or removed.
• Before 16 June, no groundbaiting, feeding or maggots are allowed on the river during the trout season and closed season. Spinning is also banned from 1 March to 15 June, apart from salmon fishing.
• Use only the recognised access points shown by the club, stick to footpaths, shut gates, take litter home and leave the dog behind. Everyone fishes at their own risk.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The mixed river character suits a flexible approach, with trotting, feeder or other legitimate methods matched to the flow and depth. Keep within the seasonal restrictions, especially around maggots, feeding and spinning.

Access & tickets

Day and weekly tickets are available from Darlington Anglers Club’s honorary secretary. The official club website also provides a day-ticket booking link for River Tees fishing.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, catfish, trout, rudd, chub, crucian, eel, zander

Named by Darlington Anglers Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A valid Environment Agency fishing licence must be carried.
• All club waters operate a 100% catch-and-release, or No Kill, policy.
• Salmon, sea trout, brown trout, grayling and coarse fish must not be killed or removed.
• A maximum of two rods may be used at any time.
• No groundbaiting, feeding or fishing with maggots on river waters during the trout season and closed season before 16 June.
• Spinning is prohibited from 1 March to 15 June inclusive, except for salmon fishing.
• Salmon fishing requires a special permit from the honorary secretary.
• Any salmon caught must be reported to the honorary secretary within 48 hours, including weight, method, date and location.
• Anglers must use recognised access points, keep to footpaths, close gates, avoid damage, remove litter and must not bring dogs.

River level

Where it is