Carp

Maynardville, Tennessee, offers some surprisingly good carp fishing opportunities, largely thanks to the Clinch River and Norris Lake. These waters hold a healthy population of common carp, often reaching impressive sizes. Spring and early summer are prime times, as the carp move into shallower areas to spawn. Look for them in weedy bays and along the edges of the river channels. A local tip: try using dough balls or corn kernels as bait, and chumming the area beforehand can greatly increase your chances. Public access to the Clinch River is available at several points along Highway 33, and Norris Lake offers numerous boat ramps and shoreline access points. Be prepared for some tough fighting fish, as these carp are known for their strength and stamina.