Norris Dam Fishing
Notification Alert

Campgrounds Closed for Renovations

Norris Dam State Park

The East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening in 2026. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Trailhead Temporarily Closed Due to Construction

Norris Dam State Park

Due to construction associated with the campground renovation on the west side of the park, the trailhead at the Canteen Camp Store is currently inaccessible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and please contact the park office if you have any questions.

  • Aerial view of a large dam with a road above, surrounded by lush green forests and a calm blue lake. Boats docked to the left create a peaceful scene.
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    Person fishing by a calm, tree-lined river.

    Fishing at Norris Dam

    Norris Dam is a 34,000-acre flood control impoundment on the Clinch River and provides excellent opportunities for fishing. 

    Anglers visiting Norris Dam State Park can look forward to an exceptional fishing experience. The lake is renowned for its abundant largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass, in particular, are known to reach impressive sizes, making the lake a hotspot for bass fishing enthusiasts. 

    Below Norris Dam, the Clinch River's cold tailwater provides ideal conditions for trout fishing. During non-generation periods, wading is highly productive for catching rainbow, brook, and brown trout. For those seeking larger trout, fishing by boat during generation periods can yield impressive catches. 

    As a Bill Dance Signature Lake, Norris Lake benefits from continued stockings of striped bass, walleye, and crappie. Striped bass regularly reach sizes of 25 pounds and larger. The park also receives ongoing management efforts to maintain high-quality fishing for bass, striped bass, walleye, and crappie, ensuring a consistently excellent fishing environment for all visitors. 

    Please note that trout fishing requires a stamp with slot harvest limits. Click here to learn more about Tennessee statewide fishing regulations.

    Recreation Release Calendar

    Lake Levels

     

    Featured Fish

    • Large Mouth Bass
    • Small Mouth Bass
    • Spotted
    • Striped Bass
    • Walleye
    • Crappie
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Brown Trout
    • Brook Trout

    Tennessee Fishing License

    All individuals age 13 and older must have a fishing license to fish in Tennessee.

    There are a variety of fishing licenses available for residents and non-residents, including a junior license for residents ages 13 - 15.   

    Licenses are granted by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and may be obtained in person at sporting goods stores, county clerks, hardware stores, and boat docks or online.  

    Purchase Online Now
    • Fishing License square

    Discover More at Norris Dam

    Visit the Gift Shops

    Norris Dam State Park has two gift shops.

      • Rustic wooden mill with waterwheel, surrounded by lush trees and stone steps.

      Grist Mill Gift Shop

      The Grist Mill Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      Lower Clear Creek Rd, Norris TN, 37828

      Hours:
      Seasonal

      • Visitor Center with stairs, surrounded by trees and greenery. Overcast sky.

      Park Headquarters Gift Shop

      The Park Headquarters Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      125 Village Green Circle, Rocky Top TN, 37769

      Hours: 
      8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

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    Other Activities at Norris Dam State Park