Having promised Lucia a day out together without me spending some part of the day fishing, i couldnt believe it when she told me the she wanted to visit the waterfalls of High Force and Cauldren Snout. Both of these falls are located on the River Tees in North Yorkshire and are located in prime brown trout territory.
It was a great place to go for a walk as the wild flowers in Teesdale are something to behold at this time of the year. I even managed to locate some Blue Gentians, which are extremly rare in the UK.
To get to Cauldren Snout we had to park in carpark of Cow Green Reservoir, a famous wild brown trout lake. Despite the gale force winds, i could see three hardy anglers braving the elements. Despite being on my best behaviour it was touch and go as to approach them to make enquiries as the the quality of the fishing.
I could see plenty of fish on the River Tees, and despite the 125 mile drive, it would be somewhere i could easily return to cast a line. The scenery is spectacular in this remote, sparsely populated part of the UK.
Our walk eventually took us to High Cup Nick, which is the viewpoint at the head of what is in my opinion THE classic hanging valley in the British Isles. The strong winds that we had experienced for most of the day became extreme at this point as can be seen from the photo, it was difficult to remain standing.
The only low point of the day was the seven mile slog back to the car facing into the wind, however hot tea, wine gums and good company kept our spirits high.
I only wish i was a better photographer as my pictures dont really capture the wildness, the open expanses of moorland and the lack of mans interference in this beautifull solitude.
Mike,
The ‘Big Cow’ is a special place and to fish it is to have a true wilderness experience. It looked like perfect conditions on your visit – I’m watering at the mouth. Last time I went, the waves were hitting the shore three feet high!
You’re looking at upwars of 50 fish from there if you know what you’re doing and are prepared to walk all day!
Well done on the upstream nymphing too – I think it’s the finest way to catch a trout…. and even the finest way to not catch a trout, if you know what I mean.
Matt
Thanks Matthew.
It was a fantastic place, would love to spend a day fishing on the upper tees or on cow green. Might persuade Lucia to let me out for a weekend and have a day on each.
The two sections of the Tees i looked at were part of the Strathmore and Raby estates. River was full of fish rising in all pools, looked like heaven.
With reference to your 50 fish bag possibility on cow green I dont know what i am doing but can walk all day, therefore 25 fish might be a very good return lol.
To improve my fishing on the local brooks,am in the process of ordering a 7ft 3 weight rod and line – then i can cast with a little less vegetation on my fly and a little more stealth.
I still cant wade without causing a tidal wave effect though.