The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Melton Hill Lake
Knox County, Tennessee · 5,470 acres (8.5 sq mi)
59°F water, calm this morning.
About Melton Hill Lake
Melton Hill Lake spreads over 5,470 acres in Knox County, Tennessee. Melton Hill Dam holds it back on the Clinch. Melton Hill Lake is a long, narrow TVA reservoir on the Clinch River near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
It stretches about 15.7 miles end to end with roughly 83 miles of shoreline. At about 790 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Clinton is right by the lake. Knoxville, the nearest city, is about 12 miles east.
- Size
- 5,470 acres (8.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 83 miles
- End to end
- About 15.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 790 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Melton Hill Dam, Clinch
- County
- Knox County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Tennessee mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 59°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:11 am · sunset 5:30 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Melton Hill Lake
- Clintonon the shore
- Oak Ridgeabout 3.7 mi west
- Farragutabout 5.5 mi south
- Lenoir Cityabout 5.5 mi south
- Knoxvillenearest city, about 12 mi east
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Questions about Melton Hill Lake
What fish are in Melton Hill Lake?
Lakes like Melton Hill Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Melton Hill Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Melton Hill Lake?
5,470 acres, with about 83 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Melton Hill Lake?
Clinton is on the shore; Oak Ridge is about 3.7 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Melton Hill Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Melton Hill Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.