Norris Dam State Park Offers Many Angling Opportunities

Posted: April 5th, 2018 by Bill Dance

If you have been hot or cold in choosing a Tennessee State Park as a fishing destination this year, look no further than Norris Dam State Park in Anderson County.  Located on the shoreline of the 33,840 acre Norris Reservoir, Norris Dam State Park offers fishing opportunities for those seeking a warm water reservoir setting or those who like things a little on the colder side and want to pursue trout.  Angling opportunities abound in the area, with the reservoir providing some of the best angling in the state for smallmouth bass, striped bass, redear sunfish and walleye.  The Clinch River below the dam (Norris Tailwater) is renowned for its trout angling and provides year round habitat for rainbow, brown and brook trout.  The current state record brown trout was caught from the tailwater in 1988.  If you are looking for guided fishing trips, there are several experienced guide services in the area for both the reservoir and tailwater.

Historically the area is significant, as this was the first dam constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).  Construction of the dam began in 1933 shortly after the creation of the TVA and was completed in 1936 impounding the Clinch River to form Norris Reservoir.  The park construction coincided with the dam project and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees provided much of the labor and skill in the development of the park.

Deciding on a place to stay will be easy as the state park offers a variety of cabin or camping options to accommodate your lodging needs.   So if you are undecided this year on a state park fishing destination, give Norris Dam State Park a try it will definitely satisfy your hot or cold deliberation.

’Til next time, catch one for me in Tennessee.

For more information about the state park, Norris Dam, and fishing regulations for Norris Reservoir and tailwater, please visit the following web resources:

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/norris-dam

https://www.tva.gov/Energy/Our-Power-System/Hydroelectric/Norris-Reservoir

https://www.tn.gov/twra/twra-across-the-state/rules-and-regulations.html