Fishing Dale Hollow Lake

AKA: Dale Hollow Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Dale Hollow Lake, TN

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Dale Hollow Lake sustains a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

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Walleye Fishing

Walleye continue to thrive in Dale Hollow Lake again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

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Crappie Fishing

Dale Hollow Lake is home to both black and white crappie. When fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. With a history of good crappie fishing, Dale Hollow Lake continues to deliver good quantities of nice, fat slabs. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee.

Dale Hollow Lake Fishing Video

Renowned as the home of the world record smallmouth bass, Dale Hollow Reservoir is a 28,000-acre lake located in Kentucky and Tennessee, on the state borders, near Oakley, TN. In addition to excellent smallie fishing, the lake offers quality fishing opportunities for largemouth and spotted bass. Dale Hollow annually makes the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA. Crappie, catfish, trout, stripers, sunfish, walleye, muskie, paddlefish and others also reside in this impoundment. The nutrient rich water and plenty of forage unite to make this a fish factory - both for quantity and quality. Fishing from a boat is the desirable way to fish the lake. However, there are numerous places around the lake where bank fishing is accessible. And, with over 650 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to fish. Points, creek channels, ledges, humps and islands throughout the impoundment provide great habitat for fish - shallow in spring and fall, deeper in summer and winter. Places to portage a canoe or kayak are plentiful. There are numerous boat launch ramps around the lake for convenient launching of vessels ranging from small fishing boats, to family pleasure boats, to pontoon boats, to large sailboats and houseboats.

Dale Hollow Lake, located on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, is a renowned fishing destination known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse fish populations, and picturesque surroundings. This 27,700-acre reservoir, created by the Obey River, offers anglers exceptional fishing opportunities, as well as a range of boating and camping experiences.

Dale Hollow Lake is famous for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers from around the country flock to this lake to pursue the prized bronzebacks. The clear waters and rocky structure provide ideal habitats for smallmouth bass, offering thrilling battles and the chance to land trophy-sized fish. Anglers can employ various techniques, including casting with jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits, to entice these aggressive and hard-fighting fish.

In addition to smallmouth bass, Dale Hollow Lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, as well as other popular fish species. Largemouth bass can be found in the lake's coves, brushy areas, and near submerged structures. Crappie fishing is also excellent, with both black and white crappie offering anglers opportunities to fill their coolers. The lake is also home to catfish species, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be targeted using a variety of methods, such as bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait.

Dale Hollow Lake's combination of outstanding fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting smallmouth bass, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping under the stars, Dale Hollow Lake offers a serene and memorable experience for all who visit.

Primary fish species residing in Dale Hollow Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Dale Hollow Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Dale Hollow Lake, thanks to its expansive waters and numerous marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's scenic coves and channels. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water sports activities, and the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Dale Hollow Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
931 243-2211

East Port Marina and Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
931 879-7511

Horse Creek Marina and Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
931 243-2125

Sunset Marina & Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, runabouts and pontoons
931 864-3146

Safe Harbor Holly Creek
Rentals: Pontoon boats
931 243-2116

Willow Grove Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
931 823-6616

Marinas

Dale Hollow Marina
440 Dale Hollow Boat Dock Rd
Celina, TN 38551
931 243-2211

Horse Creek Marina and Resort
703 Horse Creek Rd
Celina, TN 38551
931 243-2125

Safe Harbor Eagle Cove
5899 Eagles Cove Rd
Byrdstown, TN 38549
931 864-3456

Safe Harbor Holly Creek
7855 Holly Creek Rd
Celina, TN 38551
931 243-2116

Willow Grove Marina
11045 Willow Grove Hwy
Allons, TN 38541
931 823-6616

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Obey River Recreation Area
This is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It is located in the southeast corner of the lake, just south of the Livingston Highway bridge.

Fishing Guides On Dale Hollow Lake

Charters, Dale Hollow Lake - bass, crappie, walleye

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

Camping facilities around Dale Hollow Lake provide visitors with the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Dale Hollow Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay, enabling them to fish early in the morning or late into the evening and fully appreciate the peaceful ambiance of the lake.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Dale Hollow Dam Campground - 931 243-3554

Willow Grove Campground - 931 823-4285

Lily Dale Campground - 931 823-4155

Dale Hollow Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Dam Recreation Area
5101 Campground Rd
Celina, TN 38551
931 243-3136

Fishing lakes in each state.

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