Strathmore Estate - Upper Tees & Maize Beck

The Strathmore Estate offers approximately 10 miles of outstanding fly fishing on the south bank of the river Tees, and a 2½ mile section on the south bank of Maize Beck (available to the public for the first time). FLY ONLY.

The fishery has plenty of variety. The lower end of the beat at Dent Bank is an ideal location to catch salmon from mid-August onwards. It fishes well after rain, immediately when the river levels start to drop off. Fishing for salmon is from Dent Bank and throughout the beat until you hit the impassable High Force waterfall, but please note there is NO fishing at Low force (See map for details).

Brown trout fishing on the Strathmore estate is exceptional, and particularly noted for its fishing from Middleton-In-Teesdale all the way to the upper limit of Maize Beck. The fish up there are not big but they scrap and are noted for their dark appearance due to the peat-tinted Tees water, A catch return of 30 fish per day is not uncommon.

Maize Beck is a 2½ mile section on the south bank of an upland feeder stream. The beck is similar in character to the main river, just smaller. This water is virgin territory and has never been available to the public before. However, a day must be planned to fish this water as it will require a minimum 1.5hr walk to reach it from a downstream approach. Another option is to park at Cow Green reservoir and walk to Cauldrons Snout on the public footpath, then below the Snout do a simple river crossing to Maize beck. The limit is from the confluence at the Tees upstream for 2.5 mile to the watergate crossing.

Wading on the Strathmore Estate can be tricky, lower down on the beat is manageable, but a wading staff is advised. Higher up the beat from Cronkley Bridge to the upper limit is wadable but is hard work. However, fishing from the grass is a local favourite. The Tees is a fast-rising river, so please take note of on-line rivers levels and weather forecasts before venturing out into unsettled weather, and always dress appropriately.

All the Strathmore Estate water fishes exceptionally well, but faultless methods include traditional north country spiders, large bushy dry flies, and large stoneflies. Streamers area also a noted method. Fishing with a 9ft or 9ft6in line rating #4 or #5 is the perfect choice of rod to handle the permanent downstream wind.

Regarding salmon, fishing during a spate will increase your chances with dark red shrimp patterns on low water doubles or copper tubes being the order of the day.

Access is easy throughout the Strathmore Estate, but it usually requires a walk.

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