Guided Fly Fishing on the clinch river
One of Tennessee's Premier Trout Fisheries - Guided by Someone Who Knows Every Bend
The Clinch River below Norris Dam is one of the most productive tailwater trout fisheries in the Southeast — and one of the most technical. Midge-sipping Rainbows, aggressive Brown Trout, prolific Sulphur and Caddis hatches, and flows that change everything about how you fish it. This is not a put-and-take river. This is the real thing.
USCG Captain Jeff Sharpe has guided the Clinch year-round for over a decade. He knows what TVA is doing with the generators before you even launch the boat, and he knows exactly where the fish go when the water comes up. That knowledge is what you are booking when you fish with JA Sharpe Fly Fishing.
What anglers are saying about guided trips on the clinch river
Clinch River Guide Trip Rates - 2026 Season
All guided trips include premium fly rod outfits, leaders, tippet, and all the custom flies you need for the day. Full-day trips include a hearty, Southern “Meat and Two” style lunch with a homemade dessert served right on the river. No prior fly fishing experience is necessary.
Full Day Float: $500.00
Half Day Float: $450.00
*A $250 deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due upon completion of your trip. Trips are available year-round, but prime hatch dates fill up fast.
Not sure when to come or which river is fishing best right now? Call or text Captain Jeff directly at 865-936-1557 — he is always happy to talk fishing, water flows, or fly patterns.
Norris Dam on the Clinch River
The Clinch River gets it start in Southwest Virginia near Tazewell. It then flows roughly 300 miles Southwest through the Great Appalachian Valley collecting various tributaries such as the Powell River before it joins the main Tennessee River in Eastern Tennessee. Construction of the Norris Dam began in 1933 and was completed in 1936. Norris dam was the first dam built in the TVA system. The dam itself is 265 feet high and stretches 1860 feet across the Clinch River. The lake itself has about 800 miles of shoreline and 52.9 square miles, or 33,840 acres of water surface. The lake is 1.2 miles at its widest point and has a maximum depth of 210 feet. Norris Dam was primarily built for Flood Control for the area. There are two generators capable of producing 65.7 megawatts of power each. The flood control and the power production make Norris dam a vital component to this region.
What makes the clinch river special
Guided Fly Fishing on the Clinch River is a spectacular year-round experience. As one of the premier trout fisheries in Eastern Tennessee, it fishes exceptionally well on all flows. The colder months of November through early March are actually some of the most productive of the year—this is when the larger, more aggressive Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout show themselves most consistently.
What’s Hatching on the Clinch:
Midges – The absolute bread and butter of Clinch River trout. Present and highly productive 365 days a year.
Sulphurs – A prolific spring hatch that brings even the heaviest fish to the surface.
Scuds & Sow Bugs – An abundant, high-protein subsurface food source that keeps these fish fat and feeding between hatches.
How We Fish It:
The Clinch is a TVA-controlled tailwater, which means flow management dictates everything about how we approach the river on any given day.
Low / Single Generator Flows: We fish out of a premium Hyde Drift Boat for a classic, stealthy tailwater float experience perfect for matching the hatch.
High / Two Generator Flows: We switch to a rugged Lowe 1760 Jet Boat, giving us the safety, power, and stability to access the incredibly productive high-water spots.
Access Areas, Lodging and Dining
The Clinch River is not limited to just boat fishing. If you are coming to fish with me you may want to stay and do some fishing on your own. There are several easily accessible wade fishing areas on the Clinch River. Millers Island Access Area, The Songbird Trail in the shadows of Norris Dam and the Second Baptist Church in Clinton all offer easy, public access areas. Norris dam State Park and The Clinch River Brewery are points of interest to check out when you are in the area too. The Clinch River is also close to Oak Ridge as well as Norris, TN. Its worth a day trip to see the Museum of Appalachia, The American Museum of Science and Energy or the The K-25 History Center. Below are some links to places to stay and eat in the area.
Where to Eat, Drink and Stay Near the Clinch River
Clinch River Brewing
The old TVA Aquatics Center was turned into a stellar craft brewery right on the river. They serve up great beer and solid food—perfect for a post-float meal.
Habaneros Grill Mexican Restaurant
Excellent service, great authentic Mexican food, and massive margaritas to celebrate a long day on the water.
Harrison's Grill and Bar
A local gem after a day of casting. Stop in for an ice-cold beer and a rack of ribs—they never disappoint.
Norris Dam Sate Park Cabins
Location doesn't get better than this. Situated within minutes of the dam, they offer rental cabins, RV sites, and classic tent camping.
Appalachia Ridge
Super close to all the main boat ramps and wade fishing access areas. They feature great RV sites and comfortable glamping tents.
Holiday Inn Express
Centrally located right off the highway in Clinton, making it a reliable, easy base camp for all your access areas.
Don’t Wait — Clinch River Dates Fill Fast
Whether you are a first-time fly angler or an experienced hand looking to technical-fish one of Tennessee’s best tailwaters, Captain Jeff Sharpe is ready to put you on fish.
Questions? Call or text: 865-936-1557 or drop a line through our Contact Us page.
Real-Time Updates: View our current Fly Fishing Reports to see what is happening on the Clinch River right now.