Fish The Clinch

Many experienced anglers who have fished the premier trout waters of the United States consider the Clinch River tailwater to be one of the finest trout fisheries in the country. The clear, shallow, slow moving Clinch demands a stealth approach, delicate presentation, small flies and drag-free drifts. You can wade or drift in a boat.

Where is the Clinch River?

Nestled in the mountains of East Tennessee, the Clinch tailwater is 13 miles in length and flows from Norris Dam, at River Mile 80, to the Highway 61 Bridge near Clinton, TN, at River Mile 67.

What kind of fish can be found in the Clinch?

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and brook trout call the Clinch home. Almost all of the fish caught will be robust, wild, quality fish. The average trout will be 11 to 12 inches in length. Trout in the 14 to 16 inch range are common, and on most days one can reasonably expect to hook one or two fish in the 18 to 22 inch range. It is not unusual for a skilled angler to land a half dozen fish over 18 inches during the sulfur emergence in spring. Good mayflies typically hatch from May to June and a steady midge hatch can be predictable during the summer and winter months. The majority of the fisheries diets for the Clinch River consist of midges, black flies, sow bugs, scuds, and small caddis pupa. Also big streamers and terrestrials are always an effective alternative to dry fly fishing! Whether wading or floating; anglers can pursue dry fly, wet fly, or streamer fishing with spectacular trophy fish. The Clinch River Tail-water is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout from March through September.

When to Fish

Fishing on the Clinch is good year-round, but it is great in late winter, early spring and late fall, early winter.

Where to Fish

Your fishing method, whether wading, fishing from the bank, or fishing from a boat, will dictate the best location.

If you plan to wade, the best place to fish will be at the weir dam or Miller Island (see map here). Keep in mind, wade fishing on the Clinch River is only safe during low water flows. Any period where one or more turbine flows last longer than an hour can pose danger for wading. Extended periods of low water offer the optimal conditions for wade fishing.

If you plan to fish by boat or kayak, the best place to put in will be Miller Island or Peach Orchard (see map). Fishing from a boat can be productive at almost any water level, however, keep in mind low water presents challenges due to shallow waters and numerous rocks. We recommend putting in a boat at Peach Orchard when the water is generating, boating up river to Miller Island and floating back while fishing. If you are Kayaking, we recommend putting in at Miller Island and floating/paddling down to Peach Orchard or the Highway 61 Bridge in Clinton, where you can take out. You will want to prepare ahead of time with multiple cars to shuttle back to your starting point. Note that when the water is not generating and the levels are low, kayaking or boating from Miller Island is difficult due to shallow water.

If you plan to fish from the bank, the best place to fish is along the bank below Norris Dam, around the weir dam or Miller Island.

Trophy Expectations

Average fish run 7″ to 14″, while 18″ to 20″ trout are often taken. Rainbows comprise 80-90 percent of the catch. Almost all of the fish caught will be robust, wild, quality fish. Trout will average 11-12 inches in length. Fish in the 14 -16 inch range are common, and on most days one can reasonably expect to hook one or two fish in the 18-22 inch range. It is not uncommon for a skilled angler to land a half dozen fish over 18 inches during the sulfur emergence in spring. While rainbows comprise well over 80 per cent of the catch, browns do well in the river. The Tennessee state record brown, 28 pounds 12 ounces, was taken from the Clinch in the late 1980s. Browns over 30 pounds have been electroshocked and found dead by anglers. Spin fishermen float the river in boats during one- and two-generator flows in pursuit of these big trophy browns. Rainbows over ten pounds have been caught. The Clinch also contains assorted rough fish, and spin fishers take the occasional walleye and striped bass.

Fishing Licenses

A Tennessee fishing license is required to fish on the Clinch River. Find out more Tennessee fishing license information, from the types of licenses to where to buy them.