Clinch River
Knoxville's closest trout tailwater, and one of the hardest in the state to fish well.
- 420 miRiver length
- 8Game fish
- 130Access points
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Clinch River
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About the Clinch
The Clinch River tailwater below Norris Dam is the closest trout fishing to most of Knoxville, and access is decent. It is also one of the toughest rivers in Tennessee to catch fish on consistently. The water is clear and the trout are smart.
The Clinch has a history of very big fish. The Tennessee state record brown trout, about 28 pounds, came from here in 1988. Fish close to three feet long still live in the river, but they are few and hard to fool.
Light tippet and small flies are the rule. Midges and small mayflies make up much of what the trout eat, with Sulphurs in late spring. TVA controls the flow from Norris Dam, so check the release schedule before you wade.
Clinch River near Looneys Gap, TN
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Nearby gages
- Powell River near Jonesville, VA8.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 03531500
- Martins Fork above Smith, KY17.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03400785
- Martins Fork near Smith, KY17.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03400800
- Martin'S Fork near Harlan, KY24.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03400986
- Cumberland River near Harlan, KY26.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03401000
- Powell River at Big Stone Gap, VA27.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03529500
- Nolichucky River near Lowland29.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03467609
- Poor Fork at Cumberland, KY30.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03400500
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
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Tips for fishing the Clinch
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Go light and small
Fine tippet and small flies catch more fish here than anything else. Size 18 to 22 midges and mayflies are a good start.
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Check TVA releases
Look up the Norris Dam release schedule from TVA. Wade only when there is no generation, and get out when the water starts to rise.
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Fish the Sulphur hatch
Late spring Sulphurs bring the Clinch's trout to the surface. It is one of the best chances at a dry fly fish all year.
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Try leeches for big fish
Leech patterns are a good way to target the river's large browns.
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Know the slot limit
The Clinch has special length rules for trout. Check current TWRA regulations before you keep any fish.
Every access point on the Clinch, in your pocket.
- 130 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Clinch
Clinch River FAQ
When is the best time to fly fish the Clinch River?
Spring is the best season, with the Sulphur hatch in late spring. The tailwater holds trout all year.
Why is the Clinch River hard to fish?
The water is clear and the trout see a lot of anglers. Light tippet, small flies, and careful presentations make the difference.
What flies work on the Clinch?
Midges, small BWOs, Sulphurs, leeches, and terrestrials in summer.
How big do trout get in the Clinch River?
Very big. The Tennessee state record brown, about 28 pounds, was caught here in 1988, and a few fish near three feet long still live in the river.
Where is the trout water on the Clinch?
Below Norris Dam, north of Knoxville.
Are there special regulations on the Clinch?
Yes. The Clinch has special length rules for trout. Check current TWRA regulations before fishing.
