Activities on the Pellissippi Blueway

First, be sure you have obtained an updated fishing license.

Trout fishing in the Clinch River in the Norris Dam tailwaters is extremely popular with local fly fishermen,  but even if you are paddling the area from Clinton to Oak Ridge, you might hook into a trout on light spinning tackle.

If you are paddling along the Melton Hill Reservoir as part of the Pellissippi Blueway adventure, you’re also tapping into one of East Tennessee’s overlooked angling gems. This 5,500-plus-acre reservoir on the Clinch River offers year-round opportunities for canoeists and kayakers who want to cast while they cruise.

Anglers commonly target species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white crappie, sunfish, and even striped bass and muskellunge. Because Melton Hill receives cold water from Norris Dam on a daily basis in the summer, bass and panfish are often found in shallows along rocky shorelines and under overhanging vegetation.

Contrary to popular belief, Melton Hill Reservoir is one of the cleanest lakes in the region as runoff from the Department of Energy facilities on the Oak Ridge Reservation enters the Clinch River system below Melton Hill Dam. There is a consumption advisory to not consume catfish from Melton Hill as part of region-wide elevated levels of PCBs.

While the Pellissippi Blueway is primarily focused on human-powered watercraft, there are several aspects of the Blueway related to motorized boats.

Depending on the speed, size, and hull shape of a powerboat, the wake can make a very slight or a very high wave.  Small paddling boats should use caution and stay nearer the shoreline, wear a PFD, turn and quarter into all large wake waves, and do not spend much time in the middle of the lake.

Many motor boaters enjoy fishing, swimming, and sightseeing.  Gas for boats is very limited on the Blueway.

Gas is sometimes available at the Melton Hill Marina approximately Mile 43.7 at 9133 Solway Ferry Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. You must request gas in advance by texting (865) 659-4862.  A waterskiing course has been maintained for a number of years on Melton Hill Lake in Reactor Cove near Mile 33.4  All boaters are encouraged to boat safely and follow all TWRA boating regulations.  Protect all boaters and pets with appropriate floatation devices.  All boaters are requested to pack out all trash, leave what you find, keep noise levels down, and respect all wildlife and other visitors around you.

Birdwatching on the Pellissippi Blueway is a year-round activity.  All that is needed is a pair of binoculars and a bird field guide or app to help with identification.  Many species of birds are attracted to the waters and the forest, fields, and marshes along the Blueway.  Water birds such as ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets, and cormorants are drawn to the Cinch River’s healthy fish population and aquatic vegetation.  Habitat along the Blueway is excellent for raptors.  Sightings of hawks, osprey, and eagles are fairly common.

In the spring and fall migrating birds are passing through and taking advantage of the mature forests and brushy shoreline along the Blueway.  Migrants such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, thrushes, and flycatchers depend on the habitat along the Blueway for a source of food and shelter.  The level of Melton Hill Lake is constantly changing as a result of timing and quantity of water releases from Norris Dam.  At times of low water levels, mudflats can be exposed that are magnets for shorebirds.  Species like sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and yellowlegs can be seen at these mudflats during spring and fall migration.

Whether paddling a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, any type of self-propelled watercraft will open up a wonderful outdoor experience on the Pellissippi Blueway.  There are 16 different segments of the Blueway ranging from 3-7 miles in length that provide an array of scenic views from mature forests, fields, coves, and islands.  Paddlers will find excellent water quality and cool water temperatures to make any paddling trip relaxing.  Paddling with friends or family, bird watching, fishing, or just getting some exercise, no matter the occasion, the Blueway is there for your enjoyment.

Melton Lake, along Edgemore Road, features a sandy beach area, water ideal for swimming, and is suitable for activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The waters around the shoreline are calm and easily accessible,

Lake Swimming Tips:

• Never swim alone.
• Wear a life jacket, especially in areas with strong currents or unknown depths.
• Avoid fast-flowing waters.
• Supervise children closely.
• Be aware of underwater hazards like rocks and submerged debris.
• Be aware of watercraft nearby because they may not always see swimmers.