Clinch River: The Perfect Fishing Spot

It doesn't matter if you've never been fishing in your life or if you fish every opportunity you get, there are certain fishing spots that most people are likely to greatly enjoy. Fishing is a relaxing and stress-relieving activity that can really work wonders for building a person's self-esteem. Out of the abundance of ideal fishing spots throughout the United States, there is one that is especially perfect. This location is Clinch River, located near Knoxville, Tennessee. I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee for over a year, and fishing at the Clinch River is one reason why I'd like to return to this area.

Boating

There's no better place to boat than the Clinch River. Not only can you fish while boating, but you can also relax while on your boat. Whether you have a sailboat or a yacht, you'll have a grand time while fishing from your boat along the Clinch River.

Directions

If you want to access the Clinch River through the Great Smokies National Park, you can get there by taking the U.S. 441 South exit and stay on 441 through Seymour and on into Sevierville. Continue south on 441 to Pigeon Forge. It becomes the Smokies Parkway. Make your way into Gatlinburg. Stay on the main drag until you reach the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gear

Before heading to the river for your day of fishing, you'll want to make sure that you have the appropriate gear. A change of clothes, appropriate footwear, snacks, bait, tackle, fishing poles, plenty of drinking water, a comfortable chair, a sun hat, sunscreen, cooler filled with ice, hooks, sinkers, extra line, and anything else you may need to make your trip a grand one.

Food

If you don't want to pack a lunch (or eat the fish that you catch), there are several restaurants near Clinch River for you to grab a bit to eat. Depending on which part of the Clinch River you're near, there's Golden Girls Restaurant and Harrison's Restaurant, which both serve delicious food. Golden Girls has southern favorites like fried chicken, fried apples as well as daily specials, and Harrison's has BBQ ribs, salmon, steaks, soups, salads and a great deal more. Harrision's is located just off I-75 in Clinton. 865-463-6368. Golden Girls is in Norris, off I-75 as well, and can be reached at 865-457-3302.

Licenses

If you're going to be fishing in Tennessee, of course you'll need a Tennessee fishing license whether you're a Tennessee resident or not. To obtain your fishing license, you can visit a local Walmart or sporting goods store. Even some small bait and tackle shops near the river will allow you to obtain a license. A 3-day non-resident license costs $16.50 and a resident license is $28 for a full year. Other licensing information will be available at whichever site you choose to obtain yours at.

Camping

If you'd like to extend your fishing trip over a few days or over a weekend, there are plenty of places to camp near the Clinch River. The Great Smokies National Park has ample camping spaces, and you can choose from backcountry camping, front country, group campgrounds as well as horse camps. For more information and to make reservations, you can contact them at: 877-444-6777.

References

National Park Service - www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/carcamping.htm

Tennessee Government Website - fishing licenses - www.tennessee.gov/twra/fishlicense.html