Trip brief · Clinch River
How to go fish the Clinch River
The months we list for the Clinch River are March, April, May, October, November, December. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for October, the next month we list.
October
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — October
Blue-winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
Midge#22-26
Mercury Midge
Access
Norris Dam Tailrace
36.218, -84.072parking
Miller Road Access
36.195, -84.090parking
US-25W Bridge Area
36.175, -84.108parking
Peach Orchard Access
36.155, -84.122parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Tennessee fishing license with trout stamp required. The Clinch River trophy trout section (from Norris Dam downstream approximately 2 miles) features special regulations: artificial lures only with a minimum size limit of 16 inches and reduced creel. Downstream sections follow statewide trout regulations. Always confirm current TWRA regulations at tn.gov/twra as rules vary by section. Check TVA generation schedules before wading — water can rise rapidly during generation.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Clinch River page →