Clinch River, Knoxville Tn.

The Norris Dam tailwater is an excellent fishery. With populations of brown, rainbow, & brook trout swimming in its waters. The river receives supplemental stocking from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA). The Sections of river above the Hwy 61 bridge is considered by many to be one of the premier trout waters in the state. With low water flow the river is easily wade fished from several public access points. Norris Dam downstream to the Weir is open to the public. Millers Island is the next public access area just downstream about a mile from the weir. The Peach Orchard boat ramp area is about 3-4 miles below the Millers Island access and is the last public access point until the Hwy 61 bridge.

The wade fishing is good so long as you get there early and can find a place to fish away from the masses. We prefer to fish the clinch on a mixed water flow either starting with the water off and finishing up the day on a one generator schedule. The river can be fished on two generators but the water is very high and swift. Being productive on two generators is marginal at best, but fish can be caught. It becomes more of quality over quantity game at that point.
 
The Clinch River is a nice little bug factory. Midges are a mainstay on this river. Did I say little? Anglers can usually find fish rising along current lines off the banks on high water flows. When the bugs are hatching a good supply of both Blue Wing Olives and Sulphurs is a must for every fisherman here.

Now for the other side of the coin. Are you willing to put in a little extra work for a chance at some larger fish. Then by all means, this might just be the place for you. Take a 7 or 8wt rod loaded up with a 250-300 grn 30 ft head streamer stripper line, tyon something big and ugly and start working. Cast to the banks as we slowly make our way downstream and stip it in. If you make back in halfway to the boat and you can see your fly in the water or you don't have a fish on. Then pick it up and do it again. This is not an easy day, but before its over you will see at least one really nice fish. This is not a numbers game this is quality over quantity.

We offer full day trips only on the Clinch River.

Water flows on the clinch can be estimated using the following information.

One Generator:
Millers Island       1 hour
Peach Orchard      2.5-3 hours
Hwy 61 Bridge     5.5-6 hours

Two Generators:
Millers Island        .5 hours
Peach Orchard       1.5-2 hours  
Hwy 61 bridge       3.5-4 hours