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Clinch River

Boat Ramps
21
Access Points
32
Species
34

The Clinch River is a crown jewel of Appalachian waters, flowing approximately 300 miles from its origin near Tazewell, Virginia through the mountain empire of southwest Virginia and into Tennessee. This diverse waterway travels through Tazewell, Russell, Wise, and Scott counties in Virginia before crossing into Tennessee, where it eventually reaches Norris Dam. Below the dam, the river continues as a tailwater for 13 miles, creating one of the most productive trout fisheries in the eastern United States. The Clinch is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, housing approximately 50 species of freshwater mussels (more than any other river in the world) and over 100 species of non-game fish. With its crystal clear waters, varied habitats, and abundance of game fish, the Clinch River offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience in a breathtaking natural setting.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Clinch River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Clinch River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Tennessee licenses and regulations

Tennessee Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Tennessee Fishing License

No Fishing License Needed If: You are under 13 years of age (resident or nonresident). A type 022 supplemental license is required for anglers targeting trout. State-wide creel limit 7 trout.

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Tennessee Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Tennessee Stream Access Laws

On any river or stream that’s capable of floating a craft, the public has rights to passage, hunting and fishing. The question of streambed use on designated non-navigable rivers, however, is less clear, and probably not legal.

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Take Clinch River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Clinch River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Clinch River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Clinch River and check the forecast before you go.

CLINCH RIVER ABOVE TAZEWELL, TN

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Clinch River fishing guides

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