Clay County, TN · Reservoir
Dale Hollow Lake
A deep, clear Obey River reservoir on the Kentucky–Tennessee line — the world-record smallmouth bass lake (an 11-pound, 15-ounce fish caught in 1955). Trophy smallmouth relate to the clear-water structure, with largemouth, walleye, and muskie rounding out the fishery.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Walleye — tied at the top (68/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Dale Hollow Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Dale Hollow Lake
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
5/day (smallmouth/spotted combined); only one over 16" per day.
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
No statewide creel or length limit; only one over 18" may be kept per day.
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Min size
- 16"
- Daily creel
- 5
16" minimum, 5/day (with sauger).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Tennessee
Coordinates
Notes
Dale Hollow smallmouth: 16–21" protected slot, 2/day (one under 16", one over 21"). A genuine trophy-smallmouth destination — handle big fish carefully.
Local reports & rules for Dale Hollow Lake: Tennessee TWRA fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Dale Hollow Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Dale Hollow Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Dale Hollow Lake?
Dale Hollow Lake is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Dale Hollow Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Dale Hollow Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Dale Hollow Lake have?
Dale Hollow Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Dale Hollow smallmouth: 16–21" protected slot, 2/day (one under 16", one over 21"). A genuine trophy-smallmouth destination — handle big fish carefully.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Dale Hollow Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Dale Hollow Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Dale Hollow Lake tidal water?
No. Dale Hollow Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.