Every Boat Ramp on Dale Hollow Lake

About Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Lake is a 27,700-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Obey River that holds the distinction of producing the all-time world record Smallmouth Bass, an 11-pound 15-ounce giant caught in 1955 that has never been surpassed. With 620 miles of shoreline across four counties on the Tennessee-Kentucky border and depths reaching 130 feet, this clear mountain lake is nestled in the rugged hills of the Upper Cumberland region and is widely regarded as one of the finest Smallmouth Bass fisheries in the world. The towns of Celina, Livingston, and Byrdstown provide services and accommodations for the dedicated anglers who travel from across the country to fish these legendary waters.

Smallmouth Bass are the main event at Dale Hollow, with the lake's crystal-clear water, rocky structure, and abundant crawfish forage producing bronzebacks that routinely exceed 4 pounds and occasionally push past 7 pounds. Largemouth Bass inhabit the back portions of the creek arms and provide excellent fishing around wood cover and vegetation. Walleye are an exciting target in the deeper main lake areas, particularly during winter and early spring. Musky have been stocked to create a trophy fishery, with these apex predators reaching impressive sizes. Rainbow and Brown Trout thrive in the cold tailwater below the dam, creating a bonus fishery that draws fly anglers.

Dale Hollow Lake offers numerous public boat ramps and full-service marinas, including facilities at Dale Hollow Dam, Willow Grove, and Star Point, spread across both the Tennessee and Kentucky shores. The lake's clear water and scenic mountain setting make it equally popular for swimming and scuba diving. Whether you are drop-shotting a ledge for trophy Smallmouth Bass, trolling deep-diving crankbaits for Walleye, or casting oversized lures for Musky in the crystal-clear depths, Dale Hollow Lake offers world-record-quality fishing in the beautiful Upper Cumberland highlands of Tennessee.

Nearest towns: Celina, Livingston, Byrdstown