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- Species: Rainbow, Brown and Brook
- Angler Type: Wade or Boat
- Access Type: Public or Private
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Description
The Clinch River Tailwater originates from the base of Norris Dam, near Norris, TN. It is one of the most well known tailwater streams in Tennessee and currently holds the record for the largest Brown Trout at (28lbs. 12oz.). The Clinch is routinely referred to as the “Cinch” when it is fishing hot and conversely the “Grinch” when it is cold. The big hatch to catch is the Sulphur hatch, which usually starts around mid April if conditions are right and continues into summer. The Clinch is composed of a lot of shelf rock which can make for some technical nymph fishing. It also has large flats that can hold rising cruisers. Long leaders and small flies is the most common way to fish the Clinch, however anglers willing to put the time in throwing streams can be rewarded by a true monster fish. The Clinch is a favorite of Knoxville locals and because of it’s limited access can become somewhat crowded in late afternoons and on weekends. If planning a trip here to fish it is best to come mid-week to get away from the crowds.
Please practice safe wading practices and be sure to check the generation schedules before you go.
Click here for TVA Generation Schedule
Suggested Flies
- Zebra Midges, Red and Black, Size 18 to 22
- Tungsten Bead Head Pheasant Tails, Size 14 to 20
- Split Case Sulphur Nymphs, Size 14 to 18
- Scuds, Olive and Gray, Size 16 to 18
- Sow Bugs, Olive and Gray, Size 16 to 18
- Sulphur Dries, Size 14 to 18
- Streamers, Rainbow Trout and Shad Patterns, Size 2 to 8
Suggested Rods/Reels/Lines
9 foot 4,5,6 or 7 weight rods with matching reels and floating fly lines, unless throwing streamers, then use sinking fly lines. When using 6X and 7X tippet a mid-flex rod may be preferred to protect the tippet
2011 Regulations
Clinch River (Norris Dam, downstream to Hwy 61 Bridge, including tributaries)
- 14 to 20 inch protected length range on all trout
- 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches
For more information on daily creel limits and additional information please refer to the 2011 Tennessee Fishing Regulations
Click here to purchase a Tennessee Fishing License
Public Access Points
- Songbird Canoe Access
- Miller’s Island
- Peach Orchard
- Church Access
- Highway 61 Bridge
Click here for a TWRA river and access map
Getting There
From Interstate 75 take exit 122, Clinton/Norris go north on highway 61 and turn left just past the Museum of Appalachia and follow the signs to Norris Dam or go South on highway 61, cross over the Clinch and then turn right to access the Church access. Where ever you fish please be courteous of the landowners and don’t trash the place. Click here for local weather forcast.
