Dale Hollow Lake Fishing Spot

• Max Depth: 130'
• Elevation: 778'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/09/09 10:24 AM
• Ask about Dale Hollow Lake in our Fishing Forums

In addition to its rare beauty, ULTRA-clear water and unspoiled shoreline, Dale Hollow Lake is one of the nation's premier bass fisheries. Come float the pristine waters and relax, surrounded by the sounds of nature. There are no McMansions staring you in the face as you cruise the peaceful lake. It feels like you are back in time, back to a virgin forest with an unspoiled lake teeming with fish. Dale Hollow is the current world record holder for smallmouth bass. Other achievements include a Tennessee state record for lake trout (12 pounds, 13 ounces). The Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam produced a state record rainbow trout (14 pounds, 8 ounces) and brown trout (26 pounds, 2 ounces). Finally, the lake also holds the Kentucky muskie title at 43 pounds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses the clear, cold water from Dale Hollow to operate a fish hatchery. This large facility has recently been renovated and enlarged to increase trout production. Dale Hollow Dam and Lake are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project was completed in 1943 for the purposes of flood control, hydroelectric power production and to improve water quality for domestic and industrial use. A number of day-use facilities and campgrounds are located around the lake. A camping permit is required for all designated primitive campsites. If restrooms are not available at primitive campsites, campers are required to have portable sanitation facilities. A number of informational signs and buoys are found throughout the lake marking hazards, creek arms and fish attractors. Featured Fish Species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie Other Species walleye, rainbow trout, lake trout, muskie, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white bass, rock bass, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish. The average water temperatures of Dale Hollow Lake range from 45-80 degrees. The deepest area of the lake is in the main channel near the dam totalling 130 feet. There are many marinas located around the lake and many boat ramp accesses. Lodging is easy to find.