Norris Lake Reservoir

Norris Lake Reservoir is nestled in the ridges of East Tennessee between the Appalachian mountain range and the Cumberland mountain range. The construction of Norris Dam in 1936 created a waterway 56 miles up the Powell River and 72 miles up the Clinch River with a surface area of more than 34,000 acres of water and 800 miles of shoreline. Norris is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the eastern United States. Miles and miles of unobstructed glassy smooth water in the main channel attracts pleasure boaters and water skiers.

The many secluded coves tucked away from the main channel make it ideal for fishing. Norris Lake is also known to anglers for its famous striped bass or rockfish, trophy-size bass and walleye-as well as beautiful catches of black crappie. June through September night fishing for smallmouth bass, crappie, white bass, and walleye is a popular activity. Largemouth, (May-June) uses light tackles and fish deep. Smallmouth, (April-May), (Jan-Feb) fishing live bait off points. Crappie (Late April-May) near fish attractors. Walleye (Feb.-March) in the headwaters, sometimes at night in the summer trolling in the lake. Catfish, (spring and summer), Stripers (April-May) can be caught through the summer fishing live bait in open water. Bluegill, (Spring-through Fall).

The 13-mile stretch of the Clinch River below Norris Dam is a scenic float trip and a renowned trout stream. This stretch of river extends to the Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery, a 100-acre complex operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, located at Clinton. Two small wild areas below Norris Dam provide the visitors with a mini "wilderness experience". The Norris reservation at the dam has three hiking trails. River Bluff trail is the longest at 3.1 miles and features spring and summer wildflowers and a 3-mile hiking trail. The Edge Path is shady corridor with wheelchair access.

The Clinch River below the dam flows into the Tennessee River. You can put in at Clinton and navigate to the Gulf of Mexico through an elaborate system of locks.

Besides beautiful springs, hot summers, and colorful autumns, the winters are mild with average temperatures for November through February of 51.7° F for the highs and 30.7° F for the lows, this allows for use of the lake all year.