Norris Dam creates the huge Norris Reservoir which has over 800 miles of shoreline and is about 50 miles in length. Cold water is released through two turbines creating the Clinch River Tailwaters which provides electric power and cooling water for TVA coal-fired and nuclear steam plants located downstream.
The TVA has done tailwater enhancement projects on the Clinch and now the Clinch River tailwater is known by many experienced anglers as one of the finest trout fisheries in the country. However, it is a challenging river to fish and requires a degree of stealth. careful approach, and delicate realistic presentations. Success demands long, light leaders and tippets under these conditions. Most of the time the flies you will be using will be no larger than a size 18. Midges are the main aquatic insect that you will need to imitate.
It is stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout but the rainbows comprise more than 75 percent of the catch. The trout taken will usually average 11-12 inches in length. However, fish in the 14 -16 inch range are common, with an occasional opportunity to hook one in the 18-20 inch range. The emergence of the sulfurs in spring present a great chance to hook that 18 to 20 inch trout. The Tennessee state record brown, 28 pounds 12 ounces, was taken from the Clinch River in the late 1980s.
Seasons:
The Clinch River due to its cold even water temperature can be fished year around. Midge larva, pupa and adult flies are productive all year. They can be fished well with a strike indicator
Spring:
Singtime is prime time on the Clinch River as we will start to see a few hatches of mayflies and the stoneflies.
Summer:
Several species of Caddis flies are hatching during the summer. Summer days will produce fish but keep to the smaller flies with hook sizes from 16 down to 26.
Fall:
Autumn provides some of the best fishing using the nymphs and occasionaly streamers in the larger pools.
Winter:
It is possible to catch trout all winter and the opportunity exists to catch a large brown trout using streamers.
Clinch River Hatches and Flies
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In the Miller's Island public boat launch area has some riffles as well as some runs that provide access for wading and is somewhat easier to fish while wading. As with most tailwaters, the best way to fish the Clinch River is to float it. However, be aware that it does have a lot of shallow rock ledges that can potential problems if you are not careful. If both enerators are running, the drift may be a little too fast. There is a weir dam located about a mile below the dam. It forms a large pool of slow moving water. Although it is usually full of trout, they are very difficult to catch. Only a experienced angler will be successful here.
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Clinch River Trout Fishing Pictures
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Tennessee State Regulations
Clinch River Tennessee Hatch Chart
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