AN event to promote the Tees as a salmon fishing river has been hailed a success.
More than 120 anglers took to the river at the end of October for the weekend event, jointly organised by the Tees Rivers Trust and Olly Shepherd, from Yorkshire Fly Fishing.
Tees Rivers Trust manager Ben Lamb said he was “over the moon” with the weekend, which showcased the river.
“We had people come from as far as Wales to enjoy spending time here, some for the first time.
“Not only has this helped to start dispelling the widely held misconception that the Tees is not worth fishing, the event has put had the direct effect of encouraging four new members into syndicates and clubs.”
Mr Lamb said those who took part had contributed to the local economy to the tune of between £8,000 and £10,000.
“We defied the elements on the Saturday for three salmon to be caught and one lost,” added Mr Lamb.
“The Sunday produced a sea trout and two salmon, including another four lost – all in all, a remarkable effort. Fish were caught from Gainford to Raby.
“With this result during the one of the hardest summers on record – even the Tyne only produced eight fish for the weekend – we are in no doubt that the river is a recovering salmon river.”
The Tees event was supported by Northumbrian Water officials, who arranged for extra water to be released from Cow Green Reservoir to supplement the low flows in the river.
Mr Lamb said the trust was now planning to build on the weekend’s success.
“We are now looking into developing a Tees-wide angling passport scheme which will help to keep building the profile of the Tees,” he explained.
