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Dale Hollow Lake is situated on the TN/KY border and is world renown for world-class trophy fishing, pristine 27,700 acres of water and abundant natural beauty. This is where the World’s largest smallmouth bass was harvested back in 1955 and in later years the top 2 and 3 largest smallmouth bass ever caught were caught here. 

Technically, it is a reservoir (man made – not natural) that was created back in the mid 1900’s for the purpose of flood control downstream in cities like Nashville, TN and beyond. It is also a source of hydroelectric power and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

Dale Hollow Lake offers more than just smallmouth bass! There are several other bass species as well as walleye, crappie and carp just to name a few. It’s a great place to bring the family and friends to spend some time fishing and relaxing. 

Lake Facts

Bill Dance Signature Lake
The Water
The History

Bill Dance Signature Lake

In 2023, Dale Hollow Lake became one of nine large reservoirs in Tennessee to be designated as a Bill Dance Signature Lake, with access points constructed to a standard of excellence endorsed and designed by Bill Dance Outdoors in collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

In addition to the improved access points, each of the designated lakes will see above-water upgrades such as courtesy docks, expanded parking, additional access points, fishing piers and signage.

Upgrades specific to Dale Hollow include continued management for quality bass, striped bass, walleye and crappie fishing; continued stockings of sauger and walleye; and continued habitat management and improvements.

The improvements to Dale Hollow were made at the Obey River use area, which includes the day use ramp at Sunset Marina.

The Water

The average water temperatures of Dale Hollow Lake ranges from 45-80 degrees, and the deepest area of the lake is in the main channel near the dam, totaling 130 feet. Dale Hollow Lake is one of the few lakes in Tennessee, and our nation, that provides an unobstructed view of nature and natural beauty at its best due to the restrictions of private boat docks and the removal of trees from the shorelines.

The quality of the water in Dale Hollow Lake is important for the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, located below the dam. The hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi River, producing 1.5 million trout per year, totaling 300,000 pounds. Dale Hollow Lake is a popular wintering area for the bald eagle, our American symbol. These beautiful birds can generally be observed from mid-December to mid-February.

History

Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the River and Harbor Act of 1946.

The project was completed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1943. Hydroelectric power-generating units were added in 1948, 1949 and 1953. The project was designed by the Corps of Engineers and built under their supervision by private contractors.

The hydroelectric generators of Dale Hollow Dam are used to supply power to the surrounding countryside. The dam, power plant and reservoir are currently operated by the Nashville District of the Corps.

The creation of the reservoir resulted in the submerging of a town named Willow Grove. In 1942, the town was purchased by the government in order to create the reservoir. The residents were forced to relocate. Former residents of the town meet annually on Labor Day weekend.

Non-Residential License Information

Below pricing reflects 2024 TWRA licensing costs. Please see more info for details or to purchase a license for the current year. Prices vary from year to year as well as in state or out of state residents. You will be redirected to another site to purchase your license if you choose to do so.

JUNIOR HUNT & FISH

$11 (Type 070)

ANNUAL FISHING

$50 (Type 076) No Trout

3-DAY FISHING

$20.50 (Type 077) No Trout

10-DAY FISHING

$30.50 (Type 079) No Trout

3-DAY ALL FISH

$40.50 (Type 079)

10-DAY ALL FISH

$61.50 (Type 080)

ANNUAL ALL FISH

$99 (Type 081)

Fishing Guides

2026 SCHEDULE

Fishing Tournaments

  • Feb 28-Mar 1 – MLF Mountain Division
  • March 21-22 – Bill Dance Giant Bass Open
  • March 28-29 – TN BASSNATION High School Tournament
    Battle at the Border
  • April 18 & 19 – Dale Hollow Spring Bass Classic at Sunset Marina
  • Aug 15-16 – Bass Master Kayak Championship
  • Oct 10 – Kid’s Fishing Rodeo at the Plankyards – local youth only
  • Oct 24-25 – Fall Dale Hollow Bass Classic at Star Point Resort
  • Dec 5 – TN BASSNATION KAYAK SERIES