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Clinch River gauges
Readings are every 15 minutes from the U.S. Geological Survey, shown hourly for the last seven days. The page checks USGS again each time it opens.
Clinch River at Kyles Ford
USGS gauge 03527620
Latest reading 9:45 PM EDT, Sun, Oct 11
Water temperature
67.6°F
19.8°C
7-day range 66.2 to 72.0 °F
Clinch River above Tazewell
USGS gauge 03528000
Latest reading 9:15 PM EDT, Sun, Oct 11
Flow
461 cfs
Up 48 cfs in 24 hours
7-day range 408 to 637 cfs
Gauge height
1.22 ft
Up 0.08 ft in 24 hours
7-day range 1.13 to 1.48 ft
Float trips
Floating and paddling the Clinch River
Above Norris Lake the Clinch is a free-flowing Class I–II river. Clinch River Valley State Park at Kyle’s Ford was dedicated in August 2026 and warns that levels change fast.
No published flow range. Below Norris Dam, the Clinch follows the dam’s generation schedule.
Put-ins and take-outs
Sources: Clinch River Valley State Park
Bigger purchases
Gear compared for floating the Clinch River
The electronics, motors, boats and batteries that cost real money, compared side by side with the Tennessee water each one suits. Affiliate links.
Dam releases
Dams on the Clinch River
Part of the Clinch River is controlled by releases from Norris Dam and Melton Hill Dam. When generators are running, the river below the dam rises quickly. The generation schedule for each dam is on its lake page.
Weather
Clinch River weather and wind forecast
Sun, Oct 11 night
58°F
Rain Showers Likely then Mostly Cloudy
Wind W 5 to 10 mph
43% chance of rain
Mon, Oct 12
80°F
Partly Sunny
Wind W 0 to 5 mph
2% chance of rain
Mon, Oct 12 night
55°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind 0 mph
0% chance of rain
Tue, Oct 13
84°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind SW 0 to 5 mph
0% chance of rain
Tue, Oct 13 night
56°F
Mostly Clear
Wind SW 0 to 5 mph
0% chance of rain
Wed, Oct 14
85°F
Sunny
Wind SW 0 to 5 mph
1% chance of rain
National Weather Service forecast, updated 7:06 PM, Sun, Oct 11.
Sun and moon, Sun, Oct 11
USGS readings from the Clinch River, refreshed each time the page opens.
Go fishing
Where to get on the Clinch River
Common questions
Clinch River level and paddling questions
Where are the Clinch River gauges?
USGS runs 2 gauges used on this page: Clinch River at Kyles Ford; Clinch River above Tazewell.
What does cfs mean on the Clinch River?
Cubic feet per second: the volume of water passing the gauge each second. It is the best single number for how big the river is running. Gauge height is the water surface against a fixed point at that gauge and only compares with readings from the same gauge.
How often do the Clinch River readings update?
USGS gauges record every 15 minutes and usually report within an hour. This page checks USGS each time it opens and shows the time of the latest reading.
Why does the Clinch River rise and fall during the day?
Dam releases. When the dam upstream generates, the water below it rises within minutes and drops again when generation stops. The dam’s schedule is linked on this page.
Is the Clinch River water temperature measured?
Yes, at the gauges that show a temperature tile. It is the temperature at that gauge, which can differ from the water a few miles away, especially below a dam.
Can you float the Clinch River?
Above Norris Lake the Clinch is a free-flowing Class I–II river. Clinch River Valley State Park at Kyle’s Ford was dedicated in August 2026 and warns that levels change fast.
What is a good level to paddle the Clinch River?
No published flow range. Below Norris Dam, the Clinch follows the dam’s generation schedule.
Where can you put in on the Clinch River?
Access points listed on this page: Kyle’s Ford, Sneedville, US 25E. Each one links to driving directions.
Do you need a life jacket to kayak the Clinch River?
Yes. Tennessee requires a wearable life jacket for each person in a canoe or kayak, and anyone under 13 has to wear one while underway. Canoes and kayaks without a motor do not need to be registered.
River readings come from the U.S. Geological Survey and are provisional, as USGS publishes them. Forecasts come from the National Weather Service. Sunrise, sunset and moon phase are calculated for the location. Tennessee Fishing Spots is not affiliated with USGS or NWS.
Keep going
More the Clinch River water, and who fishes it
Every guide and charter on this site is listed by the water they run, so you can call the captain direct. Licences, limits and the state record list are one click away too.