Norris has approximately 800 miles of shoreline and 33,840 acres of water surface at full pool of 1020'. It is the largest & cleanest reservoir on a tributary of the Tennessee River. Annual water elevation between summer & winter pool fluctuates around 20'. These fluctuations, coupled with the detrimental effects of boat waves has severely eroded the lake's shoreline, washing away fish habitat, topsoil, and much of the associated nutrients needed to support aquatic life. Most of the reservoir's nutrient supply comes from the water inflow from the Clinch and Powell rivers. Norris is relatively infertile and does not, and never will, support as many fish as more fertile reservoirs like Boone, Douglas, and Cherokee.
Norris is deep & clear overall, but it depends where you go and recent weather. Lake is mostly rocky. The water temp will be warming at this time and have a lot of boat traffic. Expect to fish deep. There are lots of transition areas with flats, points, coves, ledges, etc. Many fallen, old, dead trees along shorelines. Get a contour map!
Not sure what kind of fish you are after, but Norris is well known for good population of Striper & Smallmouth. There are plenty of Largemouth, Catfish, Crappie & Walleye, too. Tough lake to fish in summer. Overall fish size & quantity tends to be smaller than other lakes due lack of vegitation, erosion & lake age, etc.
Good luck!
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