Clinch River
The Clinch River is located about 20 minutes north west of Knoxville. It flows out of Norris Dam and runs for 14 miles before it empties into Melton Hill Lake. It was the
first tailwater in Tennessee to receive trout, and it's been a famed destination for world class trout ever since. A large portion of the river from Norris Dam to Miller's Island is open as public access, TVA owned land. Public access downstream of Millers Island is very limited and private land owners should be respected.
The Clinch River is super cold year round, with an average water temperature near 50 degrees. It's also a very rich tailwater, full of aquatic invertebrates. The slow spring like flows and abundance of bugs help keep the river full of healthy trout. Both rainbow and brown trout are numerous in the river, brook trout are also present in smaller numbers.
A full day guided float trip on the Clinch River can get you into incredible fly fishing action. The Clinch River is famous for fat fish on small bugs. Typical setups are comprised of small bugs on long, light leaders. Fishing success here can be challenging as well as extremely rewarding. Landing large fish on light lines takes a steady hand, as well as a good guide to help you. Our fly fishing guides are ready to show you some of the best Tennessee has to offer here on the Clinch River
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Helpful Clinch River Links
Tennessee State Parks Cabins and Camping
Hotel Lodging Many to choose from
The Clinch River fishes well year round. The majority of the food base is comprised of small midges and sow bugs. However, the spring time brings a very good sulphur hatch that gets the fish looking up. The Clinch also fishes well with a streamer rod. Common setups range from 4wt - 6wt fly rods. Nine to twelve foot leaders tapered to 4x - 7x tippets. Small, light weight indicators work best.
T.W.R.A. manages the Clinch River as a quality trout fishery. The current regulations provide a protected slot limit for all the fish.
Clinch River Regulations: Norris Dam. downstream to Hwy. 61 bridge, including tributaries
- 14–20 inch protected length range on all trout
- 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches
- All trout in the protected length range should be released immediately.
We offer wade and float trips on the Clinch River. Full or half day trips. Our most popular trips are the full day floats. A full day float trip on the Clinch River covers 7 miles of water through mostly private land. On most days we never see another angler until we reach the boat ramp at the end of the day.
The Clinch River tailwater fishery is conveniently located just minutes off I-75, just north of Knoxville. It's close proximity to Kentucky makes it a favorite destination of our northern friends. Other local activities include the near by Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as the Museum Of Appalachia. Booking a guided fly fishing trip on the Clinch is a great plan for adventure, any time of the year.