Skip to main content

Dale Hollow Lake

Boat Ramps
21
Access Points
31
Species
31

Dale Hollow Lake spans the Kentucky-Tennessee border, offering over 27,000 acres of pristine, clear waters with more than 600 miles of shoreline. Known as the Smallmouth Capital of the World, this highland reservoir is renowned for its world-record smallmouth bass fishing. The lake features deep, clean waters averaging around 50 feet deep, with maximum depths reaching approximately 130 feet. Dale Hollow's unmolested shorelines and lack of private homes or docks along the water's edge create a natural paradise for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Dale Hollow Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Dale Hollow Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Kentucky licenses and regulations

Kentucky Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Kentucky Fishing License

All persons must fill out and carry the proper license and permit to fish any Kentucky waters except residents and nonresidents age 15 and younger.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Kentucky Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Kentucky Stream Access Laws

Public usage is limited to larger waterways with more permanent commerce and transportation. The public right to navigation includes boating, fishing, swimming, temporary anchorage and incidental use of the riverbed, regardless of streambed ownership.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Dale Hollow Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Dale Hollow Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Dale Hollow Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Dale Hollow Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.