Anglers may expect catches for Largemouth, Spotted and Smallmouth Bass. The lake is popular for the large size of Smallmouth Bass caught. The lake is stocked annually with Walleye and Striped Bass. Striped Bass regularly reach sizes of 25 pounds and larger.

The cold tailwater of the Clinch River continues below Norris Dam. Wading for fish during non-generation periods is very productive for Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout. Bigger trout are often taken by boat during generation periods.