Anderson County, TN · Inland River
Clinch River (Norris tailwater)
The trophy tailwater below Norris Dam in East Tennessee — a former state-record brown-trout river managed with a protective slot, holding large wild browns and stocked rainbows in cold, fertile flows. Waded at low generation.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Clinch River (Norris tailwater).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Clinch River (Norris tailwater)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (only 1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Tennessee
Coordinates
Notes
TN: Norris Dam to Hwy 61 — 14–20" protected slot (release), 7 trout/day, only 1 over 20". Check the TVA release schedule before wading.
Local reports & rules for Clinch River (Norris tailwater): Tennessee TWRA fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Clinch River (Norris tailwater)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Clinch River (Norris tailwater) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Clinch River (Norris tailwater)?
Clinch River (Norris tailwater) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Clinch River (Norris tailwater)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Clinch River (Norris tailwater) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Clinch River (Norris tailwater) have?
Clinch River (Norris tailwater) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. TN: Norris Dam to Hwy 61 — 14–20" protected slot (release), 7 trout/day, only 1 over 20". Check the TVA release schedule before wading.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Clinch River (Norris tailwater)?
state agency regulations apply at Clinch River (Norris tailwater). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Clinch River (Norris tailwater) tidal water?
No. Clinch River (Norris tailwater) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.