🎣 Melton Hill Reservoir - (Tennessee) Eastern Tennessee

🏞️ About Melton Hill Reservoir

Melton Hill Reservoir is a 5,470-acre Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reservoir spanning 44 miles along the Clinch River in East Tennessee, extending from Norris Dam downstream to Melton Hill Dam near Oak Ridge. Created in 1963 with the completion of Melton Hill Dam, this scenic impoundment flows through Anderson and Knox counties, creating a unique urban-wilderness hybrid fishery that combines excellent access with surprisingly wild character just minutes from Knoxville.

What sets Melton Hill apart from other TVA reservoirs is its dual personality. The lower half near Oak Ridge and Knoxville features developed shorelines, numerous boat docks, parks, and heavy recreational use, making it one of the most accessible urban fisheries in Tennessee. The upper half near Norris Dam transforms into a remote, wilderness experience with steep wooded banks, rocky bluffs, and a river-like character that feels far removed from civilization. This diversity creates distinct fishing opportunities — from civilized dock-fishing for crappie and bass near town, to remote smallmouth water that rivals natural rivers.

The reservoir averages 33 feet deep with a maximum depth of 80+ feet in the lower sections near the dam. Fed by the cold, clear discharge from Norris Dam, Melton Hill maintains cooler water temperatures and exceptional clarity year-round compared to other Clinch River reservoirs. This cold-water influence creates a unique fishery where striped bass thrive and smallmouth bass grow to impressive sizes. Highway 95 and I-75 provide primary access to the lower lake, while Highway 61 reaches the remote upper sections.

🌟 Why Melton Hill Reservoir Is Special

• Urban Wilderness Combination
  Fish in the morning near downtown Oak Ridge amenities, then explore remote upper-lake wilderness in the afternoon — all on the same reservoir.

• Exceptional Smallmouth Bass Fishery
  The cool, clear water from Norris Dam creates premium smallmouth habitat, producing trophy fish in the 4-6 pound class with consistent action year-round.

• Outstanding Striped Bass Population
  Melton Hill hosts one of the best landlocked striper fisheries in Tennessee, with fish ranging from schoolies to 30+ pound trophies thriving in the cool water.

• Crystal-Clear Water Quality
  Water clarity regularly exceeds 8-12 feet, creating exceptional sight-fishing opportunities and allowing precise targeting of structure and suspended fish.

• Year-Round Coldwater Fishery
  Norris Dam's bottom-release keeps water cooler in summer and warmer in winter, creating consistent fishing when other lakes struggle with temperature extremes.

• Excellent Public Access
  Multiple TVA boat ramps, city parks with fishing piers, and extensive bank fishing areas provide outstanding access throughout the 44-mile reservoir.

• Trophy Walleye & White Bass
  Strong stocking programs and ideal habitat create excellent walleye fishing, while spring white bass runs rival any lake in the state.

• Premier Musky Destination
  TWRA's aggressive musky stocking program has created a trophy fishery where 40-50+ inch fish are caught annually, drawing musky specialists from across the Southeast.

🐟 Fish Species of Melton Hill Reservoir

🌤️ Seasonal Fishing Overview

🌸 Spring (March – May)

• White bass run — spectacular action at Melton Hill Dam (late March-April); 50+ fish days common
• Crappie spawn — peak in March-April; boat docks, shallow brush, bridge pilings in lower lake
• Smallmouth bass prespawn/spawn on rocky points and gravel banks (April-May)
• Striped bass push shallow following shad; surface schooling begins (May)
• Walleye spawn and feed aggressively on main lake points and riprap
• Water temperatures 50-65°F; fish aggressive and concentrated
• Best overall fishing season — multiple species at peak activity
• Clear water allows sight-fishing to cruising and bedding fish

☀️ Summer (June – August)

• Smallmouth remain active in cool water — main lake points and bluffs (15-35 feet)
• Striped bass follow thermocline; early morning surface feeding on shad schools
• Musky active in deeper water and along weed edges; target early morning/evening
• Largemouth on deep docks and shaded structure in lower lake
• Crappie suspend over deep channels and brush; spider-rigging effective
• Catfish excellent throughout; night fishing productive
• Water temperatures 70-78°F (cooler than other TVA lakes due to Norris release)
• Dawn and dusk topwater action for bass and stripers
• Night fishing excellent for walleye and catfish
• Upper lake stays cooler; fish remain more active than typical summer patterns

🍂 Fall (September – November)

• PRIME SMALLMOUTH SEASON — aggressive feeding; trophy fish on rocky structure
• PEAK MUSKY SEASON — best trophy musky fishing of the year; target weed edges, points, deep structure
• Striped bass schools surface-feeding; spectacular topwater action
• Spotted bass at peak activity on main lake points
• Crappie move toward winter structure; bridges and deep brush
• Walleye turn on as water cools; excellent trolling and jigging
• Water temperatures 55-68°F (cooling); extended feeding periods
• Shad migrations trigger explosive surface action
• Less boat traffic; excellent fishing conditions
• Upper lake smallmouth fishing at its absolute best
• Musky specialists flock to the lake for trophy fish

❄️ Winter (December – February)

• Smallmouth still catchable in deeper water; slow jig presentations
• Striped bass follow deep baitfish; vertical jigging productive
• Crappie concentrated on deep structure (25-40 feet); slow jigging
• Walleye and sauger excellent on main channel ledges
• Norris Dam tailrace fishing for multiple species in warmer discharge
• Water temperatures 45-52°F (warmer than most TVA lakes from dam release)
• Clear water advantage — target visible structure
• Minimal pressure; solitude on the water
• Jerkbaits deadly for winter smallmouth on sunny days

🎣 Fishing Techniques on Melton Hill Reservoir

🎣 Essential Melton Hill Tackle & Baits

Smallmouth Bass Lures (Clear Water):

• Jerkbaits: Megabass Vision 110, Lucky Craft Pointer (ghost minnow, pearl shad)
• Football Jigs: 3/8-1/2 oz green pumpkin, brown/orange with craw trailers
• Tube Baits: 3-4 inch smoke, green pumpkin, watermelon on 1/4-3/8 oz heads
• Topwater: Spook Jr., Pop-R (bone, chrome), small prop baits
• Ned Rig: Z-Man TRD in green pumpkin, PB&J on 1/8-3/16 oz mushroom heads
• Crankbaits: Natural shad patterns, crawfish (medium to deep divers)
• Drop Shot: Roboworms, finesse worms in natural colors

Striper/Hybrid Lures:

• Topwater: Large Pop-R, Zara Spook, propbaits (chrome, white)
• Jigging Spoons: 2-3 oz Hopkins, Kastmaster (chrome, white)
• Soft Swimbaits: 4-6 inch paddletails, flukes
• Alabama Rigs: Umbrella rigs with swimbaits
• Live Bait: Fresh-caught skipjack herring or gizzard shad

Crappie Baits:

• Jigs: 1/16-1/8 oz tubes, Bobby Garland, minnow bodies
• Live Minnows: Small shiners or threadfin shad
• Hair Jigs: White, chartreuse for deeper water
• Popular Colors: White, chartreuse, pink, clear with glitter

Walleye Tackle:

• Jigs: 1/4-1/2 oz with plastic or live minnow trailers
• Crankbaits: Rapala Shad Rap, deep-diving shad patterns
• Hair Jigs: White, chartreuse for night fishing
• Live Bait: Medium minnows on bottom rigs

Catfish Baits:

• Cut Bait: Fresh skipjack, shad, or sunfish chunks
• Live Bait: Bluegill, small carp for flatheads
• Prepared Baits: Chicken liver, hot dogs, commercial dips
• Night Crawlers: Channel cats near riprap and points

Musky Tackle:

• Bucktails: Double 10 blades, large Colorado blades (black, white, chartreuse)
• Jerkbaits: Suick, Reef Hawg, Eddie Bait (8-12 inches)
• Glide Baits: Savage Gear, Bull Dawg (6-10 inches)
• Large Crankbaits: Deep-diving musky cranks (Depth Raider, Grandma)
• Topwater: Whopper Plopper 190, large prop baits (summer/fall)
• Heavy Tackle: 8-9 ft heavy musky rods, baitcasters with 80+ lb braid, steel leaders
• Landing Equipment: Large net, jaw spreaders, long-nose pliers

⚖️ Regulations & Permits

Melton Hill Reservoir fishing is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA):

Required Licenses:

Key Regulations:

⚠️ CRITICAL REGULATIONS:

• Bass: 15-inch minimum for largemouth/smallmouth; 5 fish daily limit (combined)
• Spotted Bass: No minimum size; included in 5-bass daily limit
• Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum; 1 fish daily limit; catch-and-release highly encouraged
• Striped Bass: 2 fish daily limit; no minimum size (check for updates)
• Crappie: 7-inch minimum; 30 fish daily limit (black and white combined)
• Walleye/Sauger: 15-inch minimum; 5 fish daily limit (combined)
• White Bass: No minimum; 25 fish daily limit
• Catfish: Channel/Blue - no minimum, 5 fish daily limit each; Flathead - 34-inch minimum, 5 fish limit
• Live Bait: May not use game fish as bait; consult regulations
• Jug Fishing: Allowed for catfish; must be marked with name and address
• No-Wake Zones: Various locations; observe buoys near developed areas
• Norris Dam Tailrace: Special regulations may apply; check TWRA

Where to Purchase Licenses:

• Online: GoOutdoorsTennessee.com (TWRA official site — recommended)
• Retail Locations:
  • Walmart (Oak Ridge, Knoxville, Clinton)
  • Dick's Sporting Goods / Bass Pro Shops (Knoxville area)
  • Local tackle shops around the lake
  • Convenience stores near boat ramps
• By Phone: TWRA license line

Important: Always carry your license and photo ID while fishing. TWRA officers patrol regularly, especially during peak spring and summer seasons. Some areas near Oak Ridge may have restricted access due to Department of Energy facilities — observe all posted signs. Regulations change periodically — always check the current TWRA Fishing Guide.

🗺️ Access Points & Fishing Areas

Melton Hill Reservoir offers excellent public access throughout its 44-mile length:

Lower Lake (Oak Ridge/Knoxville Area):

Melton Hill Dam Tailwater:

• Excellent fishing below dam for multiple species
• Bank access for catfish, white bass, stripers
• Boat access with caution (heavy current during generation)

Haw Ridge Park (Oak Ridge):

• Large municipal park with multiple access points
• Boat ramp, fishing piers, extensive bank fishing
• Trail system along shoreline for bank anglers
• Facilities: parking, restrooms, picnic areas

Big Ridge Marina & Campground:

• Private marina with public ramp access
• Full services: boat rentals, fuel, tackle
• Camping and cabin rentals

Clark Center Recreation Area:

• TVA boat ramp with good parking
• Access to mid-lower lake fishing
• Popular tournament launch site

Guinn Road Public Boat Ramp:

• Large public ramp near I-75
• Excellent access to lower lake striper and bass water
• Facilities: parking, restrooms

Mid-Lake Area:

Edgemoor Road Access:

• Multiple bank fishing areas along road
• Riprap and rocky points for smallmouth
• Less crowded than lower lake

Highway 95 Bridge Area:

• Bank and boat access near bridge
• Good structure for crappie and bass
• Bridge pilings hold fish year-round

Karns Community Park:

• Bank fishing piers and shoreline access
• Family-friendly facilities
• Parking and restrooms

Upper Lake (Remote/Wilderness Area):

Highway 61 Access Points:

• Multiple pulloffs along scenic upper lake
• Bank access to remote smallmouth water
• Steep banks; limited boat access

Bull Bluff Recreation Area:

• TVA boat ramp (upper lake)
• Access to wilderness fishing
• Remote location; excellent smallmouth water
• Facilities: parking, primitive camping

Norris Dam Tailwater:

• World-class tailwater fishery below Norris Dam
• Bank fishing access for trout and smallmouth
• Cold-water discharge creates unique fishery
• Popular year-round; can be crowded

Popular Bank Fishing Spots:

• Haw Ridge Park — extensive shoreline with trails
• Melton Hill Dam — tailrace and overlook areas
• Karns Community Park — fishing piers
• Highway 95 pulloffs — riprap and rocky banks
• Oak Ridge Marina areas — docks and shoreline

Marinas & Services:

• Big Ridge Marina (full service)
• Fox Road Marina
• Oak Ridge Marina
• Private boat docks (lower lake)

Most marinas offer: boat rentals (pontoons, fishing boats), fuel, basic tackle, ice, and local fishing information.

🎯 Local Fishing Tips & Hotspots

Top Producing Areas:

Spring White Bass Run:

• Melton Hill Dam tailrace — spectacular April action; 50-100 fish days possible
• Creek mouths throughout lower lake
• Riprap banks near dam and highway bridges
• Fish topwater, small crankbaits, and inline spinners

Smallmouth Paradise (Upper Lake):

• Rocky bluffs along Highway 61 — vertical banks with boulders
• Bull Bluff area — wilderness quality smallmouth fishing
• Main channel points — 15-35 feet with rock/gravel
• Riprap banks throughout upper lake
• Target with jerkbaits, tubes, and football jigs

Striped Bass Hotspots:

• Main lake humps and points (follow birds and bait on electronics)
• Melton Hill Dam area — concentrate near dam in fall/spring
• Open water — trolling umbrella rigs over 40+ feet
• Early morning surface action — summer/fall near main lake

Crappie Structure (Lower Lake):

• Boat docks throughout residential areas
• Highway 95 bridge pilings
• Deep brush piles (20-35 feet) in main channel
• Marinas and dock complexes — shoot jigs deep under docks

Trophy Smallmouth Zones:

• Bluff banks in upper lake (15-40 feet deep)
• Rocky points with gravel/chunk rock transitions
• Riprap along highways and bridges
• Main channel ledges where current creates ambush points

Musky Hotspots:

• Weed edges throughout mid and upper lake (summer/fall)
• Deep points and humps (15-35 feet) — fall trolling
• Rocky bluffs in upper lake with deeper water access
• Main lake flats with scattered structure (8-20 feet)
• Creek channel edges and drop-offs
• Bull Bluff area — remote upper lake trophy zone
• Follow the forage — musky track shad and white bass schools

Clear Water Strategies:

Melton Hill's 8-12 foot clarity demands adjustments:

• Natural colors dominate: Translucent jerkbaits, green pumpkin soft plastics, shad patterns
• Downsize everything: 6-10 lb fluorocarbon, smaller baits, lighter jigs
• Long casts essential: Fish can see your boat; stay back from structure
• Finesse is king: Ned rigs, drop shots, tubes outproduce power fishing
• Early/late/overcast: Low light conditions improve catch rates significantly
• Watch your approach: Slow trolling motor, minimal noise, long casts

Seasonal Patterns:

Spring (March-May):

• Focus on white bass run at dam (April)
• Target prespawn smallmouth on gravel points (April-May)
• Crappie in shallow docks and brush (March-April)

Summer (June-August):

• Early morning topwater for stripers and bass
• Deep smallmouth on bluffs and ledges (20-40 feet)
• Night fishing for walleye and catfish

Fall (September-November):

• Best smallmouth fishing of the year on rocky structure
• Surface striper schools feeding on shad
• Trophy potential for all bass species

Winter (December-February):

• Jerkbaits for smallmouth on sunny days
• Deep crappie on structure (spider-rigging)
• Norris tailrace warm-water discharge fishing

🧭 Summary

Melton Hill Reservoir is East Tennessee's smallmouth bass paradise — a crystalline 5,470-acre jewel where cool, clear water from Norris Dam creates a fishery that rivals natural rivers for quality and beauty. This is a reservoir that defies the typical TVA stereotype: instead of muddy water and sluggish fish, you'll find gin-clear visibility, aggressive smallmouth, and a wilderness character in its upper reaches that feels like a remote mountain stream.

What makes Melton Hill truly exceptional is its cool-water influence from Norris Dam's bottom-release. While other Tennessee lakes struggle with summer heat and winter cold, Melton Hill maintains optimal temperatures year-round, creating consistent fishing when other waters go dormant. This unique thermal regime allows striped bass to thrive, produces trophy smallmouth, and keeps fish active and feeding through temperature extremes that shut down other fisheries.

The reservoir's dual personality — urban convenience below, wilderness adventure above — means you can launch from a developed park with full amenities, fish civilized docks for crappie, then run 20 minutes upstream to find yourself surrounded by forested bluffs and rocky banks that look like something from a Canadian shield lake. It's this versatility that makes Melton Hill perfect for all angler types: families seeking easy access, tournament anglers chasing trophy bass, and wilderness seekers looking for solitude.

The fishing is diverse and excellent: spring brings legendary white bass runs at the dam with 50+ fish days common, summer delivers spectacular early-morning striper action on surface-feeding schools, fall produces the best smallmouth fishing in Tennessee, and winter keeps producing when other lakes freeze up. Add in quality crappie, trophy walleye, big catfish, and you have a year-round multi-species destination that never disappoints.

With exceptional public access throughout the lake, numerous boat ramps, extensive bank fishing opportunities, and proximity to Knoxville's services and amenities, Melton Hill offers world-class fishing that's accessible to everyone. The crystal-clear water adds a sight-fishing dimension rare in reservoirs, allowing you to watch fish react, target visible structure, and adjust presentations based on what you observe.

Pack your finesse tackle and translucent jerkbaits for smallmouth on rocky bluffs. Bring topwater plugs for explosive striper schools. Load light jigs and tubes for clear-water smallmouth. Stock hair jigs for spring white bass madness. And prepare for a fishing experience that combines the accessibility of a TVA reservoir with the quality and beauty of a natural river system.

This is Tennessee's best-kept smallmouth secret — a reservoir where you can catch trophy bronzebacks, surface-feeding stripers, and slab crappie all in the same day, all in water so clear you can watch them strike. Once you experience it, you'll understand why local anglers guard this fishery like a secret honey hole.

Location: East Tennessee, spanning Anderson and Knox counties (Oak Ridge to Norris Dam)
Main Towns: Oak Ridge, Clinton, Karns, Powell (services, accommodations, tackle)
Fishing Season: Year-round (all species)
Main Species: Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Walleye, White Bass
Best Methods: Jerkbaits, finesse presentations, topwater, vertical jigging, trolling
Regulations: Size/creel limits by species; check TWRA regulations
Special Features: Crystal-clear water (8-12 ft visibility), Cool-water fishery year-round, Trophy smallmouth bass, Excellent striper population, Urban-wilderness hybrid, Outstanding white bass runs, Sight-fishing opportunities