Dale Hollow Lake
A clear, deep Army Corps reservoir on the Obey River near Celina, straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky line. It is famous for smallmouth bass, including the 11 lb 15 oz world record, and also holds walleye, largemouth and stocked trout.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Smallmouth Bass
Points and gravel flats in early spring, topwater and swimbaits after the spawn. Night fishing works well in summer.
Largemouth Bass
Backs of creeks in spring, points and vegetation in summer. Jigging spoons or football jigs deep in winter.
Walleye
Stocked by TWRA. Fish the East Fork of the Obey in late winter, jerkbaits at night in spring, troll nightcrawlers in summer.
Crappie
Backs of creeks in spring and around submerged trees. Minnows on slip bobbers.
Rainbow Trout
Stocked in winter. Troll near the dam in May and use downriggers with spoons at 30 to 50 ft in June.
Channel Catfish
Light pressure. Cut bait or chicken livers on the bottom from June on.
Boat launches
9 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Dale Hollow Dam Recreation AreaPublicUSACE. Ramp, campground, fish cleaning stationDirections ↗
- Lillydale Recreation AreaFeeUSACE fee area. Two ramps, campground, beachDirections ↗
- Obey River ParkFeeUSACE fee area. Ramp, campground, beachDirections ↗
- Willow Grove Recreation AreaFeeUSACE fee area. Ramp, campground, beachDirections ↗
- Wolf River BridgeRampUSACE ramp on the Wolf River armDirections ↗
- Plankyard AccessRampUSACE rampDirections ↗
- Dale Hollow Lake State ParkPublicTennessee State Park. Ramp and marinaDirections ↗
- Star Point MarinaMarinaCommercial marina with ramp and lodging. One of about 15 marinas on the lakeDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the state agency or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass 1 may be under 16 in and 1 over 21 in; bass combined 5 / day | 16-21 in protected slot | 2 / day |
| Largemouth Bass Black bass combined 5 / day, no more than 2 smallmouth | 15 in | 5 / day combined |
| Walleye East Fork Obey Jan 1-Apr 15: only 1 over 20 in | 16 in | 5 / day |
| Crappie Combined black and white | 10 in | 15 / day |
| Muskellunge | 50 in | 1 / day |
| Trout | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 7 / day |
| Catfish Only 1 over 34 in per day | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | No limit under 34 in |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Dale Hollow Ship StoreNearby440 Dale Hollow Boat Dock Rd, Celina, TN(931) 243-2211Directions ↗
Local tips
- Water is very clear, so use light line and natural colors, especially for smallmouth.
- Dale Hollow has its own TWRA limits, including a 16 to 21 inch protected slot on smallmouth and a 16-inch walleye minimum.
- From January 1 to April 15 the East Fork of the Obey above Compton ramp has single-hook and 3-rod rules for the walleye run.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Tennessee lakes
Norris Lake Cherokee Lake Douglas Lake Old Hickory Lake Center Hill Lake Tellico Lake Fort Loudoun Lake J. Percy Priest Lake All Tennessee lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.