Its encouraging to anglers that three of theheaviest smallmouth ever recorded have come from Dale Hollow! Here you can find all the information on regulations and licenses you need. Follow this link to buy licenses online through the TWRAs license purchasing website page for fishing. 344) bridge upstream to John Sevier Dam from March 1 through March 31 and April 16 through May 31. For a protected length range to be effective, anglers must harvest fish below the protected range. This is the biggest concerted effort by walleye in Dale Hollow regarding spawning. The lake is home to a variety of species including bass, catfish, crappie, trout, and walleye. Rock Bass: 20 per day, no length limit. Nearby towns include Celina, Byrdstown, and Cookeville. Smallmouth bass typically spawns when water temps are in the 59-60 degree range, which also signals some of the best opportunities to fish for smallmouth. Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Special Fishing Regulations for Dale Hollow Lake. Fishing is a popular pastime for many people, especially those living near Kentucky Lake. The lake's vast expanse of water also provides opportunities for boating, floating, skiing, and kayaking. As alewives and shad spawn in shallow water, walleye will chase them into these areas in search of food. Second, you will need some basic fishing gear. Culling, the releasing of harvested fish, is not allowed. TCA 70-6-101(b)(1). Dale Hollow Lake. Catfish baits range from cut bluegill and shad to raw chicken livers. Walleye typically spawn when water temps are between 45-50 degrees. Largemouth Bass: catch and release only. Follow this link to buy licenses online through the TWRAs license purchasing website page for hunting. These redear bedding areas will provide the best angling opportunities. Sunset shots, vistas of unmolested shorelines, and much more await. J.B. has also competed in local, national and regional tournaments and is a local celebrity in Pickett County. You may also apply online at, GoOutdoorsTN.com. If you are planning a trip to Dale Hollow Lake there are a few things you may want to consider before you go, like access, marinas, climate, ideas, events, and much more. During the fall, minnows on slip bobbers work well when fishing around submerged trees in the main rivers in 20 feet of water. Please report all catches to TWRA (see details on page 19). Muskellunge: 1 per day, 36 inch minimum length limit. Lakes and tanks in the metropolitan area of Greater Bangalore and the district of Bangalore Urban are reservoirs of varying sizes constructed over a number of centuries by various empires and dynasties for rainwater harvesting. Start planning your vacation today! A sabiki rig is a set of small lures attached to a single line, typically used to catch baitfish. Walleye fishing is during April and May under the bright moon at night, using jerk baits near points and edges of aquatic vegetation. Catfish: 5 per day, 14-inch minimum length limit. We invite you to visit Sunset Marina and test your own fishing skills. The reciprocal area includes all impounded water from Pickwick Dam upstream to Tennessee River Mile 224.8 at the mouth of Bear Creek but does not include Bear Creek and does not include that portion of Yellow Creek above the Hwy. Dale Hollow is known for its beauty, clear water, and great fishing opportunities for a multitude of species. According to creel surveys, catch rates and mean weights associated with redear sunfish remain near average when compared to the last ten years at Dale Hollow. Dale Hollow Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, hosting numerous fishing tournaments throughout the year. . During the refuge closure, public entry and fishing are permitted while on the main river channel passing through the refuge. Information provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can help you plan your fishing trip. Natural baits such as bluegill and shad are attractive to largemouth bass as well. If you love to fish and are planning a trip to Bear Lake, you need to know what fishing license you need in order to be legal. Redear Sunfish: 20 per day, no length limit. It covers seven species of fish complete with a calendar guide to understanding fish movements as well as selecting lures and tackle. Sunset Marina is located in Tennessee near the Kentucky state line, and Dale Hollow Lake is located in both Kentucky and Tennessee. All anglers shall abide by the laws of the state in which they are fishing as to manner and means of taking fish. The lake is known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and the abundance of other species, including smallmouth bass, catfish, muskie, crappie and sauger. rocky banks), forage bases (shad, alewives), and positive environmental influences. All anglers over 16 must have a valid Tennessee fishing license to legally fish Dale Hollow Lake. All anglers over 16 must have a valid Tennessee fishing license to legally fish Dale Hollow Lake. At Dale Hollow Lake theres no shortage of places to hang your hatincluding cabins, motels, houseboats, campgrounds, RV parks, primitive camping, and more. It is a deep, crystal clear lake that has a variety of fish species, making it a great destination for anglers. During the fall, fishermen will begin to spoon for walleye using jigs on river breaks in 30 feet of water. Experience bass fishing on Dale Hollow Lake with professional guide J.B. King. December 20, 2022 By Lindsay Collins Fishing at Dale Hollow Lake is a great way to relax and enjoy nature, but you must have the right fishing license before you can get out on the water. Sturgeon (Shovelnose, Pallid, Lake, and Hybrids): No harvest allowed. Fishermen begin trolling for trout in deeper water near the dam in May. One fish may be under 16 inches and one may be over 21 inches. This limit continues to accomplish its goal of protecting SMB between 16 and 21 inches from harvest while still allowing these fish to be caught by anglers and released. Magnificent views are all around at Dale Hollow Lake and they can be enjoyed from any perspective. Redear sunfish (shellcrackers) and bluegill will begin to move into shallow water to spawn in late April through May. Section 1. Kentucky Lake: Each state will recognize the sport fishing licenses for the other state on the portion of Kentucky Lake south of the Eggners Ferry Bridge (US 68 & Hwy. Catfish, paddlefish, and skipjack may be harvested according to local limits. Catch and Release is always the sporting thing to do, but if you want to harvest a fish from one of the cleanest lakes in the South, remember that smallmouth between 15 and 21 inches long must be thrown back to ensure trophy-sized fish for other anglers. Whether you are hunting, fishing, or boating, before you head out on Dale Hollow Lake you need to make sure youre educated and legal. Hiwassee Refuge is closed to all forms of use and trespass from Nov. 15 through the last day of Feb., except the wildlife viewing area. It is a violation of law to refuse such inspection or to interfere with an officer attempting such inspection. Other techniques that fishermen use to catch catfish include jug fishing, limb line, and trotline fishing. Only 2 of your 7 total trout may be lake trout. It is the perfect destination for anglers looking for some of the best bass fishing in the country. Smallmouth bass fishing on Dale Hollow Reservoir continues to offer some of the best opportunities anywhere. Follow the links below for all the information you need! Table of Contents show. The nearest town on the Kentucky side, Burkesville, has a population of 1,500. For instance, if you plan on doing any bowfishing or commercial fishing at Dale Hollow Lake, then you will need to purchase a special permit for those activities. The following link leads to a map that shows the approximate boundary of the reciprocal zone. Here is a link to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency that explains more about Tennessees fishing regulations. Apr 15 to 16, 2023 (931) 864-6215 application Gallery 127 Bug!# ! Walleye: 5 per day, 16 inch minimum length limit. 15 oz. Some incidental muskies are caught by anglers trolling for walleye and trout. According to the TWRA roving creel surveys conducted at Dale Hollow, the average largemouth bass caught weighs around 2.5 lbs., although larger fish are caught as well. Dale Hollow is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and all Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules and regulations apply, along with standard Coast Guard boating requirements. The overall success for catfish harvest remains consistent at Dale Hollow. Fishing at Dale Hollow Lake is a great way to relax and enjoy nature, but you must have the right fishing license before you can get out on the water. The following common regulations apply: Black bass: creel limit 10, no length limit If you are applying in person and need directions to the TWRA central office, call 615-781-6500. Sport anglers are limited to 25 limblines. Dale Hollow Reservoir provides great habitat for spotted bass, which have a long history of abundance and good size there. Sunset Marina Visitors Love Fishing on Dale Hollow, Fishing on Dale Hollow Lake could lead to a world record! Hiwassee Refuge is closed to all forms of use and trespass from Nov. 15 through the last day of Feb., except the wildlife viewing area. Smallmouth are definitely the main draw. and 15 ounces. Nongame fish, except paddlefish and sturgeon, may be taken without limit. 52 bridge, anglers are restricted to the use of one hook having a single point, or one lure with a single hook with one point. (1) Pursuant to KRS 150.170 (8), Kentucky has entered into reciprocal agreements with neighboring states regarding fishing requirements on common bodies of water. At Dale Hollow Lake theres no shortage of places to hang your hatincluding cabins, motels, houseboats, campgrounds, RV parks, primitive camping, and more. Beginning in June, catfish become very active and fun to catch because of spawning activity. nightcrawlers, mill worms, and catawba worms) as well as crickets work great. Flathead catfish will be oriented to rock shelf areas, especially where coupled with laydowns and overhanging bank areas. Reservoir Conditions-Lake elevation remains around 648'. The quality of the water in Dale Hollow Lake is important for the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, located below the dam. Check fishing regulations per method (i.e. Possession Limits: The total possession limit is twice the daily creel limit. Fishing License: What Do I Need for Bear Lake? In addition to the South Holston Reservoir License, an angler must have whatever licenses that are required to fish in their home state. Some Big Walleye Caught Here No more than three rods and reels or poles per angler may be used. Culling is prohibited. January 1April 15: On the east fork of the Obey from Compton boat ramp upstream to Hwy. Because of the clear water, crappie may be caught deeper than expected. At Pickwick Dam the closed area extends downstream to the first moorage cell across from ramp. A slat basket is defined as a device used for taking nongame fish and catfish only. It's all here - and so much more - at Dale Hollow Lake! These trout are found along rocky banks and on points. 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 has long been home to the famous state and world record smallmouth bass caught in 1955 by Mr. D. L. Hayes (pictured above), which weighed 11lbs. Dale Hollow Lake is a great spot for fishing. Fishing for walleye in the Obey River should include baits that represent the small baitfish and crayfish that one would find in small stream settings. Licenses may be purchased online or at County Clerk's offices, marinas and many other commercial establishments in both Kentucky and Tennessee. Our selection of cabin rentals are perfect for anglers, whether you are on Dale Hollow for some solitary fishing or visiting with a group. Sunset Marina Resort. 15 per day in combination, 10-inch minimum length limit. The water temperature averages 80 degrees reservoir wide, with cooler temps being found in the headwaters of the Obey River. Target Areas and Techniques (Rainbow Trout). This includes all embayments and tributaries within this portion of Kentucky Lake except the Blood River embayment. Length and creel limits are listed on page 29 of this guide. Unless otherwise restricted in this proclamation, anglers are restricted to a maximum of 3 hooks per rod, pole or hand-held line. Brook Trout: 5 per day, 14-20 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. 2023 Byrdstown, TN Chamber of Commerce. These agreements have been arranged so that any fishing license from either Tennessee or the corresponding state is valid in the following waters. Byrdstown, TN. White crappie is not as prevalent in Dale Hollow Reservoir as black crappie populations, including black nose crappie (black crappie with a genetic black mark on their forehead). No harvest limit for fish under 24 inches in length; only one fish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day. Paddlefish: 1 per day; season is open from May 1 through May 15. Dale Hollow Lake Fishing License Requirements. Its remote setting in the upper Cumberland Mountains make it a wonderful retreat for those looking for peace and solitude. Fishing Dale Hollow Lake, An angler's reference by Bobby Gentry with Ed Harp is a 12-month analysis of how to fish this legendary freshwater destination. trolling for walleye), and TWRA fisheries personnel encounter muskie via electrofishing from time to time. Spread the love. Follow this link to renew or register your vessel online through the TWRAs license purchasing website page for boats. shad, alewives) have greatly contributed to promoting and sustaining this fishery. Power generating units were added in 1948, 1949, and 1953. I am away to fish dale hollow for only the chance time and almost on. Despite the lack of other records of muskie being stocked into Dale Hollow muskie still exists in Dale Hollow today, indicating a limited population that exists by natural reproduction. In fact, spots over 5 poundsare caught every year. Limit 5 per angler all black bass species combined, only 2 of which can be smallmouth bass. Entry fee is $150 per boat, two-man buddy system. During spawning season, search for crappie in the backs of creeks around willow trees as well as submerged trees in 2 to 5 feet of water. Must be 10 inches or over - Limit 15 Crappie, Black or White, per angler. Dale Hollow offers over 24,000 acres of public hunting land full of whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small gameall ready and waiting for the taking. Anglers must comply with the fishing regulations of the state where they are fishing and when fishing where they are not licensed will comply with the most restrictive states regulation. Explore these links for Dale Hollow Lake BOATING regulations, education, & licenses! There are four basic things you should keep in mind about your personal flotation devices. Due to the lake boasting six out of the Top 10 smallmouth bass ever caughtincluding the World Record, Dale Hollow has long been known as the Smallmouth Capital of the World. With unmatched beauty surrounding pristine waters, Dale Hollow offers something for everyone! The presence of various species of aquatic vegetation and available forage (ex. All rights reserved. Slat basket must be checked at least every 72 hours.