Norris Lake

Norris Lake

With 800 miles of shoreline, 34,000 acres, 22 marinas and resorts, 3 state parks, 2 wildlife management areas, and 14 species of fish, Norris Lake is the perfect vacation destination. The lake extends 56 miles up the Powell River and 72 miles up the Clinch River, and it’s surrounded by the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. Not only is it one of TVA’s cleanest lakes, but it has something for everyone to enjoy — from those looking for a thrill to those who just want to relax. It truly is a lake like no other.

Fishing, boating, swimming, camping — you can do it all. Norris Lake is a premier fishing destination for many and is popular for its bass fishing. Spend your morning out on the water fishing, your afternoon enjoying water sports, and your night camping underneath the stars! Plan your visit to Norris Lake and enjoy all the amazing things it has to offer.

Fishing on Norris Lake

With 14 different types of fish in Norris Lake, it's the perfect place to go fishing. The Outdoor Network’s Fishing University even filmed an episode on the lake! While you can catch crappie, walleye, and more, Norris Lake is most popular for its bass fishing. Norris Lake bass fishing is best during the spring months of April, May, and June, but you can catch them all throughout the year! Learn more about bass fishing on Norris Lake on our blog: "Everything You Need to Know About Norris Lake Bass Fishing."

It’s always a good time to go fishing on Norris Lake. If you’ve never been fishing on Norris Lake before and want an unforgettable experience, use a guide! There are a number of fishing guides who can help you have a successful time out on the water. Click here for a list of fishing guides in our area. Keep in mind that a Tennessee fishing license is required to fish on Norris Lake. You can purchase your license online at the TWRA website.

Watch the video of Fishing University’s visit to Norris Lake below:

Other Things to Do at Norris Lake

Don’t want to fish? No problem! There are so many other fun things to do at Norris Lake. If you bring your own boat, you can launch your boat for free at Anderson County Park, Loyston Point, or at the State Boat Access near Norris Dam State Park (from Oak Grove Road-off of freeway 441) or visit one of our Sequoyah Marina or Stardust Marina. If you don't have a boat, not problem, Sequoyah Marina or Stardust Marina. both rent a variety of watercraft. Swimming is permitted everywhere in Norris Lake except for in the marina areas. Look for the posted signs.

Another popular thing to do at Norris Lake is watersports! You can go jet skiing, tubing, or even wakeboarding! For a more calming adventure, go paddleboarding or kayaking. If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry. There are plenty of rentals available at the lake. To end a perfect day at the lake, spend a night underneath the stars at one of the nearby campsites!

Norris Lake Marinas

Norris Lake has 22 marinas, and 2 of the best ones are right in Anderson County TN. Sequoyah Marina is a full-service marina with waverunner and pontoon boat rentals, a delicious restaurant that has Wing Night every Friday, and a store with clothing, souvenirs, snacks, lake maps and more! Stardust Marina is a full-service marina with boat slips, boat rentals, a lakeside restaurant with live entertainment every Saturday night, and more. Both marinas will meet all your vacation needs!

TVA's Cleanest Lake

Norris Lake is known as the cleanest lake in the Tennessee Valley Authorities' System, but it does have a few minor problems. Some people misuse the lake and use its shoreline to illegally dump, and some users forget to take their trash home after their trip to the lake. Help sustain Norris Lake's beauty and clear waters when you visit by making sure all your trash is thrown away.