All About the Clinch River

The Clinch River

The Clinch River is the crown of the mountain empire flowing southwestward from its origin near the town of Tazewell, the Clinch travels some 135 miles, reaching portions of Tazewell, Russell, Wise, and Scott counties on its way to the Tennessee state line. In Tennessee, it goes through Handcock, Granger, and Claiborne counties, where it becomes Norris Lake. In a cast of Virginia rivers that portray history and natural wealth, the Clinch has a story and a character all its own.

The river, which was named after on otherwise forgotten explorer, played a major role in the exploration and settlement of Southwest Virginia. Many early settlers made their homes along its eastern shore, while other crossed the formidable flow and explored the wilderness beyond its banks. Probably the most famous explorer to pace the banks of the Clinch and challenge its currents was Daniel Boone. Boone resided for some time near Castlewood, and negotiated the river during his many trips through Southwest Virginia. Today, towns and settlements along its course bear names which are evidence of their historical roles. Places like Blackford, Nash’s Ford, Fort Blackmore, and Speer’s Ferry are a few examples.

Although the landscapes have changed along the Clinch, the rugged and unique river still remains. The river does show signs of human alteration, however. To prevent flooding in the town of Saint Paul, the river was re-routed around the town. Observant floaters will note that the present river channel around the south side of Saint Paul was blasted out of solid rock. Two major fish kills have occurred in the last 30 years. These fish kills were the result of toxic spills that originated near Carbo. The river has recovered admirably from the fish kills of the past, and an incredible diversity of life is now present in and around the river.

Clinch River Fishing

The Clinch supports a unique assemblage of aquatic life. The river is home to about 50 species of mussels, which is more than any other river in the world and over 100 species are non-game fish - minnows and darters that sport brilliant colors and play a vital role in the survival of other fish and mussel species. But, the variety of sport fish is what makes the Clinch a great destination for anglers.

Clinch River Fishing has a lot to offer those who want to escape the familiar and explore the life of a river. Weather you come to experience the fishing, or just to view the spectacular scenery, please keep safety in mind. Be sure that you are aware of your boat’s and your own limitations. Before floating an unfamiliar stretch of river, boaters are advised to use a topographic map to look for ledges and falls. Remember, discretion is the better part of valor. Wear your life jacket, and if you think you might have trouble negotiating a piece of water, portage your boat and equipment around the obstruction. Some of the access points noted on the map are informal sites that have traditionally been used by anglers and floaters. To ensure that these sites are available for future use, respect all property. Please refrain from littering, and do not block roads or gates.

Clinch River Opportunities

Many gamefish species that have been stocked into other rivers are native to the Clinch. Among the native gamefish in the river are the smallmouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, and sauger. In fact, the Clinch and its tributaries are the only Virginia waters where sauger are present. Largemouth bass, rock bass, redbreast sunfish, longear sunfish, and bluegill sunfish are available, as well as musky, black crappie and freshwater drum. Anglers who are looking for catfish will find both channel and flathead catfish in good numbers and sizes.

Clinch River Fishing should offer anglers average catch rates for smallmouths, with a fair number of fish measuring more than 14 inches total length, and a few longer than 17 inches available. Rock bass size and numbers were impressive in recent samples, so they might fill in some of the time between smallmouth bites. Channel catfish are abundant in some slower moving sections of the river, and freshwater drum are collected at most sample sites. Walleye, sauger and musky are present, but in low densities. Anglers targeting these species should wear their lucky fishing hat and fish at times and locations that concentrate these otherwise sparsely distributed fishes.

Observant anglers may also notice longnose gar “sunning” near the river’s surface and occasionally taking a gulp of air. Strong populations of redhorse suckers and carp are available for anglers with the prowess and inclination to pursue them. These bottom-feeding fish can be caught on small pieces of worm fished on small hooks and light line, especially during the spring months. Redhorse suckers are most visible in the shallow water near the tails of pools. In Scott County, these shoals are the focal points of a unique spring tradition - the sucker shooting season. From April 15 to May 31 enthusiasts climb to platforms built in trees along the river to gain a better view of the river. These shooting platforms are often located at perilous heights, and are easy to spot when floating the river.

Spring Time Clinch River Fishing For Walleye

Walleye are native to the Clinch River, and are available in low densities throughout most of the river. Walleye have been stocked into the Clinch River each year since 2005, and sampling catch rates are notably improved. Consistent stocking should improve fishing opportunities over the next few seasons. For now, anglers should focus their efforts at the times and locations that concentrate walleyes. For example, during March walleyes often congregate for spawning. Most of the walleyes from several miles of river will gather in one or two locations.

Spawning walleyes usually congregate in pools just downstream of significant ledges and shoals during daylight hours and then they move into shallow water at night to spawn. Another good location is where a creek enters the river. These types of locations will also concentrate walleyes during the hot summer months when water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen levels become a concern. Tributary creeks often have cooler temperatures and the water just downstream from shoals and ledges often has more oxygen as a result of aeration that takes place as water drops over the ledges. Walleyes are almost always more active in low light conditions. Try to fish at dawn and dusk, or even at night if you can fish safely. If you can only fish during the daytime, try to fish when clouds, rain or murky water limits light penetration. Under these conditions, walleye will be more active during the daylight hours

Clinch River Fishing For Smallmouth

The Clinch River will offer good smallmouth fishing this year. The 2009 electrofishing samples yielded an average catch rate of 78 fish per hour of sampling, up slightly from 72 in 2008. Most of the smallmouth collected were less than 14 inches in length, but some larger fish are available. About 15 percent of adult smallmouth exceeded 14 inches in length, 4 percent measured more than 17 inches and about 1 percent was over 20 inches in length. Rock bass size and numbers are good, so they might fill in some of the time between smallmouth bites. Visit the Clinch River website for additional access and fishing information.