Clinch River
Tennessee · East Tennessee
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Clinch River
Norris Dam Tailwater
The Clinch immediately below Norris Dam is Tennessee's most celebrated trout fishery producing enormous brown and rainbow trout in a super-productive tailwater. Consistent 48-degree water temperatures support year-round fishing and exceptional fish growth rates. This section regularly produces 20-plus inch fish on midges and scuds.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–800 CFS. Below Norris Dam fishes best at consistent moderate releases — among the most productive trout fisheries in the country.
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Peach Orchard Point
Peach Orchard Point provides easy wade access to the most productive single stretch of the Clinch tailwater. Brown trout here are exceptionally large with multiple 20-plus inch fish caught annually. Precise nymphing and midge techniques are essential in this technical section.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–600 CFS. The upper section near the dam fishes best at low stable releases — exceptional midge fishing year-round.
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Miller Island
Miller Island creates side channels and diverse habitat that concentrate feeding trout throughout the season. Both brown and rainbow trout are abundant here with fish responding to emerging midges on warmer winter days. This section is a local favorite for year-round fishing.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–800 CFS. The middle Clinch fishes well at moderate flows — dense trout populations throughout the tailwater.
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Highway 61 Bridge
Below Highway 61 Bridge the Clinch transitions to slightly warmer water but still produces excellent brown trout fishing. Streamer fishing for large browns is particularly effective in fall. Multiple access points along this section make it easy to cover a lot of water.
💧 Ideal flow: Check TVA dam release schedule — Norris Dam releases directly control all Clinch River fishing conditions.
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Massengill Bridge
The Massengill Bridge section marks the lower boundary of prime Clinch tailwater fishing. Large brown trout are present throughout this section with fish using the slower currents for efficient feeding. Sowbug and scud patterns are highly effective year-round.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–600 CFS. Fishes best at stable consistent flows — convenient Knoxville access makes this a popular year-round destination.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About Clinch River Fishing
The Clinch River below Norris Dam is a world-class tailwater fishery and one of the most productive trout streams in the country by fish-per-mile. Located conveniently close to Knoxville, this exceptional water offers year-round fly fishing opportunities in a pristine environment that also supports rare native mussel species.
Best Time to Fish Clinch River
Outstanding midge hatches occur throughout the year on the Clinch River, making it a premier destination for midge fishing in any season. Water temperatures remain cool and stable due to the dam's release patterns, creating consistent fishing conditions that keep trout active and feeding regardless of the time of year.
Species
The Clinch River supports healthy populations of both brown trout and rainbow trout that have adapted exceptionally well to this tailwater environment. These trout grow fat and strong on the abundant aquatic insect life, particularly midges, resulting in strong, aggressive fish that provide excellent sport on the fly.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Tennessee fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Clinch River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.
Live River Data
This page pulls real-time CFS and gauge height data from the USGS National Water Information System, refreshed every 15–60 minutes. You're seeing the same streamflow information that local guides and outfitters check before heading to the water.