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Norris Lake

Boat Ramps
35
Access Points
61
Species
39

Norris Lake, the first reservoir created by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1936, is one of Tennessee's premier fishing destinations. This sprawling 34,200-acre lake with its 806 miles of shoreline stretches 72 miles up the Clinch River and 56 miles up the Powell River. Located near Knoxville in northeastern Tennessee, Norris Lake spans portions of Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, and Union counties. While the lake is known for its exceptional clarity and abundant rocky structure, it's less fertile than many Tennessee reservoirs due to its age. Water levels can fluctuate dramatically, oscillating as much as 45 feet between winter lows and summer highs, which affects fishing conditions throughout the year. Despite these challenges, Norris Lake offers outstanding fishing opportunities with a well-deserved reputation for quality bass fishing, particularly smallmouth, and is stocked annually with striped bass and walleye.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Norris Lake. 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.

Norris Dam Marina, Inc. Access

Norris Dam Marina, Inc. Access

Access Point
Claiborne Dock, Inc. Access

Claiborne Dock, Inc. Access

Access Point
Ruff Miller Access

Ruff Miller Access

Access Point
Mountain Lake Marina Access

Mountain Lake Marina Access

Access Point
Blue Mud Access

Blue Mud Access

Access Point
Bullen Valley Access

Bullen Valley Access

Access Point
Lay's Bridge Access

Lay's Bridge Access

Access Point
Indian Creek Bridge Access

Indian Creek Bridge Access

Access Point
33 Bridge Marina Access

33 Bridge Marina Access

Access Point
Sequoyah Lodge & Marina, Inc. Access

Sequoyah Lodge & Marina, Inc. Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Norris Lake

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 Norris Lake 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 Norris Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

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

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Norris Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

Norris Lake fishing guides

Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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