Virginia
Clinch River at Cleveland
Location Snapshot
Clinch River at Cleveland is a southwest Virginia mainstem reach in the upper Tennessee drainage. Smallmouth bass are the defining sport fish, with other warmwater river species adding variety.
Current River Rating
Good · 84
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within a broad fishable range.
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
Favorable Factors
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 377 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.29 ft
- Water Temperature
- 54.3 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 03524000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
42°F
Feels like
35°F
Wind
5 mph E
Wind gust
5 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Clear
Temp 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 68°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 69°F / Low 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Partly cloudy
High 69°F / Low 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 68°F / Low 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 72°F / Low 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 4 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Slower pools near Cleveland on the Clinch hold walleye and muskellunge, and smallmouth bass are among the river's native game fish.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Clinch River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Virginia DWR
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Virginia DWR
Walleye
Sander vitreus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Virginia DWR
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Russell, Virginia
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Russell
Management Category
Warmwater river
Regulation Scope
Clinch River at Cleveland, Virginia gauge reach.
Regulation Summary
Virginia DWR freshwater regulations apply on this Clinch River reach. Confirm current seasons, methods, and limits before fishing.
Target Species
Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge, Walleye
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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