Clinch River
Below Norris Dam · Anderson County
E Tennessee, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 03540500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Clinch is running a very fishable 343 cfs with excellent June conditions setting up. Sulphur emergence is peaking this month with size 14-18 patterns working well in evening hatches. Morning Trico spinner falls are beginning — the tailwater's signature event with clouds of size 22-24 flies at first light. Cold tailwater temps (likely mid-50s) provide thermal refuge as air temps climb into the mid-80s. Focus on dawn Trico action, then switch to scud/midge nymphing through the heat.
- Flow: 343 cfs — ideal wading conditions with clear water and good structure access throughout the tailwater
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur season with evening emergence. Morning Trico spinner falls beginning — be on water before dawn for size 22-24 action
- Water Temp: Cold tailwater providing thermal refuge as air temps hit mid-80s — trout will be active in thermal zone
- Best Window: Dawn for Trico spinners, evening for Sulphurs. Midday nymphing with scuds and midges during heat
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; best Apr–Oct. Peak: May (Sulphur hatch) and Sept–Oct
The Clinch River below Norris Dam is one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the southeastern United States — a TVA-regulated system where cold, clear releases from Norris Reservoir create an exceptional year-round fishery in East Tennessee. The 'Holy Waters' catch-and-release section below the dam holds remarkable densities of wild rainbow and brown trout. The Clinch is known for its evening Sulphur hatches in May, excellent midge fishing in winter, and a quality trout program that has steadily improved fish populations over decades.
The Clinch River's tailwater section holds the highest density of wild trout in Tennessee — a TWRA electrofishing survey found over 2,800 trout per mile in the catch-and-release section, an extraordinary figure for a southeastern river.
January Outlook
The Clinch River below Norris Dam is one of the finest winter tailwater fisheries in the Southeast. Midges and scuds produce year-round fishing in an exceptionally productive river.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Sowbug
- RS2
Tips
The Clinch is renowned for its scud and midge populations that support exceptional trout numbers. The 10-mile reach below Norris Dam is the prime section. Check TVA generation schedules before wading.
Water Notes
Regulated by TVA. Variable 100–2,000 cfs depending on power generation. Water 46–54°F year-round.
February Outlook
February on the Clinch tailwater. The TVA-regulated water continues producing year-round fishing in cold Norris Lake release. Scud and midge nymphing at its most consistent. The Clinch's extraordinary scud population sustains exceptional fish through all twelve months.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud (tan, olive)
- Sowbug
- RS2
Tips
February fishing on the Clinch is consistent and productive. Fish the Long Island and Miller Island sections during TVA low-generation periods. The scud and sowbug population here rivals any tailwater in the US — fish eat year-round. Check TVA generation schedules at the dam before each trip.
Water Notes
Variable 100–1,500 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Year-round TVA tailwater. Generation schedule determines wade vs. boat approach.
March Outlook
March on the Clinch as spring begins building in east Tennessee. Early Quill Gordon and BWO hatches appear on warm afternoons. The tailwater begins transitioning from pure winter nymphing to the mixed midge/dry fly fishing that defines the Clinch through spring.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon
- Blue Winged Olive
- Scud
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
The first surface activity of the year on the Clinch usually comes in early-to-mid March with Quill Gordon hatches on afternoons above 50°F. Fish the Long Island section for the best early-spring dry fly opportunities. TVA generation schedule still critical — check before leaving home.
Water Notes
Variable 100–1,500 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Early spring conditions. First hatches emerging as water warms slightly.
April Outlook
Spring on the Clinch brings Sulphur and Caddis hatches to complement the year-round midge and scud fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
April is an excellent month on the Clinch. TVA generation schedules determine wade vs. boat approach. Fish the Long Island section during low generation periods.
Water Notes
Variable 150–1,500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Spring conditions with increasing hatch activity.
May Outlook
Prime Clinch season with prolific sulphur and caddis hatches. One of the Southeast's premier dry fly experiences on a tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- CDC Sulphur
Tips
The Clinch's Sulphur hatch is prolific in May — one of the Southeast's finest dry fly events. Fish the Long Island section and Miller Island during generation lows. Guide service is recommended.
Water Notes
Variable 200–1,500 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Outstanding spring tailwater conditions.
June Outlook
Trico and Caddis season on the Clinch. The morning Trico spinner fall is one of the tailwater's signature events — clouds of size 22–24 flies at dawn. The cold tailwater provides thermal refuge in Tennessee summer heat.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner #22-24
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- Sulphur Dry (evening)
Tips
The Clinch Trico spinner fall begins at first light in June — be on the water before dawn to watch the clouds of spinners. Size 22–24 Trico patterns on 6X–7X tippet. After Trico activity, switch to scud and midge nymphing. Evening Caddis hatches continue. TVA generation schedule is critical.
Water Notes
Variable 150–1,500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Cold tailwater begins providing thermal refuge as Tennessee summer heats up.
July Outlook
The Clinch tailwater is one of the few Tennessee streams producing quality fishing in July. The cold Norris Lake release maintains 46–54°F water while surrounding streams become dangerously warm. Trico spinner falls at dawn, scud and midge nymphing all day.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner (dawn)
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Sowbug
Tips
The Clinch's summer value is enormous — it provides fishing when Tennessee's other trout streams are closed by thermal stress. Fish dawn Trico spinner falls, then nymph through midday. TVA generation determines daily approach. The Long Island section is the most wade-accessible. Stay hydrated in Tennessee summer heat.
Water Notes
Variable 100–2,000 cfs. Water 46–54°F from Norris Lake. Air temps 90–98°F. Dawn fishing most comfortable. Year-round tailwater fishery.
August Outlook
August on the Clinch tailwater — the scud and midge year-round fishery continues in Tennessee's hottest month. Early morning sessions before 9am produce the most comfortable fishing. The dam release maintains optimal trout temperatures despite August's extreme heat.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Trico Spinner (dawn)
- Sowbug
Tips
August on the Clinch requires early starts — dawn to 9am for best comfort and surface activity. The Trico spinner fall is still reliable at first light. Midday nymphing is productive if TVA generation is low enough to wade safely. Check generation before each trip — flows can spike suddenly.
Water Notes
Variable 100–2,000 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Air temps 92–100°F. Dawn sessions strongly recommended. TVA generation schedule always critical.
September Outlook
September on the Clinch as Tennessee summer breaks and fall conditions begin. Fishing becomes more comfortable all-day as temperatures moderate. BWO hatches begin joining the Trico and midge activity. One of the finest early-fall tailwaters in the Southeast.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Trico Spinner (morning)
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
Tips
September is when the Clinch shifts from challenging summer conditions to excellent fall fishing. Air temperatures drop from 95°F to 75°F by month's end. BWO hatches begin on overcast afternoons — a welcome sign of fall. Fish the Long Island and Miller Island sections. Guide float trips are excellent in September.
Water Notes
Variable 150–1,500 cfs. Cooling water 48–56°F. Excellent fall conditions building. TVA schedule still important.
October Outlook
Fall fishing on the Clinch is excellent with BWO hatches and pre-spawn brown trout activity. Cooler temperatures make the entire 10-mile reach productive.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Streamer
- Scud
Tips
Fall on the Clinch produces some of the year's best fishing. BWO hatches are reliable on overcast afternoons. Brown trout become aggressive in October. Guide floats recommended for first-time visitors.
Water Notes
Variable 150–1,200 cfs. Cooling 50–58°F. Excellent fall tailwater conditions.
November Outlook
November late-season on the Clinch tailwater. Post-spawn brown trout feed aggressively and the scud and midge year-round fishery continues. The TVA tailwater's consistency shines in late fall when most Tennessee streams have finished their season.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- BWO (early month)
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
November on the Clinch is excellent and underappreciated. The consistent tailwater conditions mean November fishing is nearly identical to March. Fish the Long Island section during TVA low-generation windows. Check generation schedules for the week before planning a trip — late fall generation patterns can be unpredictable.
Water Notes
Variable 100–1,500 cfs. Cooling 48–54°F. Year-round TVA tailwater. Consistent November fishing.
December Outlook
December on the Clinch returns to winter midge and scud fishing. The TVA regulated water maintains consistent temperatures year-round and the Clinch fishes productively all twelve months. One of the Southeast's most reliable year-round tailwater fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Sowbug
- RS2
Tips
December on the Clinch mirrors January — excellent winter tailwater fishing for the dedicated angler. The Long Island section is most accessible. TVA generation schedule governs the approach. Midge nymphing on 5X–6X tippet in size 20–22. The Clinch's extraordinary scud population keeps fish active and catchable all winter.
Water Notes
Variable 100–1,500 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round. Year-round TVA tailwater. Fishing consistent through winter.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | #14–18 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Mar, Apr, Nov | Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #18–22 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Anderson County, TN (about 25 miles north of Knoxville). Check TVA generation schedule before visiting — generation makes wading dangerous. Non-generation periods are excellent for wade fishing. Multiple guide services operate on the Clinch. Tennessee fishing license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Little River Outfitters
Regulations & License
Fishing in Tennessee requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Tennessee fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Clinch River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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