Fishing

By far the most popular activity on Norris Lake is fishing. Norris is among the Nation's top for Striper and produces ample quantities of walleye and small mouth as well. Fishing follows seasonal patterns. Most winter fishing is concentrated in the headwaters of the reservoir and in the mouths of tributary streams. In early spring, some species begin spawning runs. Walleye and sauger, for example travel upstream into the Clinch and Powell Rivers and many are caught on these runs.

Good reservoir fishing is available from March through June. Crappie fishing is best in April and early May. Bass and walleye fishing hits it's peak in May and June. Hair jigs and deep running plugs are effective for most species in early spring. Spinners and worms are standard walleye bait.

During summer months, night fishing for white bass and white crappie using live bait and lights has proven successful. Black bass fishing, particularly small mouth, picks up again in the fall. White bass, white crappie, and walleye are caught by shallow trolling and still fishing with minnows.