Boating At Dale Hollow Reservoir In Tennessee

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Dale Hollow Reservoir, located on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is a picturesque lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau, this reservoir attracts visitors with its tranquil ambiance and abundant recreational opportunities. The lake is conveniently situated near several charming towns and cities, including Celina in Tennessee and Burkesville in Kentucky, offering easy access to a range of nearby attractions and amenities.

Boating is a popular activity on Dale Hollow Reservoir, and the lake features multiple marinas that provide essential services and facilities for boaters. From pontoon boats to fishing boats and speedboats, visitors have access to a variety of boat types to explore the vast expanse of water and appreciate the stunning landscapes that surround the reservoir.

For water sports enthusiasts, Dale Hollow Reservoir offers an array of exciting activities. Water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and paddleboarding are just some of the thrilling options available for those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures on the water.

The lake boasts several boat launch ramps, strategically positioned for easy access to the water, making it convenient for boaters to embark on their aquatic adventures.

Visitors without their own boats can enjoy the pleasures of boating by renting boats from local rental facilities, providing an opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of Dale Hollow Reservoir.

The boating season typically spans from spring to fall, allowing ample time for visitors to indulge in the lake's offerings and take advantage of the pleasant weather.

Fishing is a major draw at Dale Hollow Reservoir, attracting anglers from far and wide. The lake is famous for its abundance of smallmouth bass, making it a favorite destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding catch.

Although camping is not directly available on the shores of Dale Hollow Reservoir, several campgrounds and parks nearby offer camping facilities, providing nature lovers the chance to embrace the great outdoors and savor the natural wonders of the Cumberland Plateau region.

Boating, camping and fishing.

With 28,000 acres for boating, exploring and fishing, Dale Hollow Reservoir is located on the Kentucky-Tennessee borders, near Oakley, TN. Places to portage a canoe or kayak are plentiful. There are numerous boat launch ramps around the lake for convenient launching of vessels ranging from small fishing boats, to family pleasure boats, to pontoon boats, to large sailboats and houseboats. Renowned as the home of the world record smallmouth bass, the lake offers quality fishing opportunities for largemouth and spotted bass. Crappie, catfish, trout, stripers, sunfish, walleye, muskie, paddlefish and others also reside in this impoundment. The nutrient rich water and plenty of forage unite to make this a fish factory - both for quantity and quality. Fishing from a boat is the desirable way to fish the lake. However, there are numerous places around the lake where bank fishing is accessible. And, with over 650 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to fish. Points, creek channels, ledges, humps and islands throughout the impoundment provide great habitat for fish - shallow in spring and fall, deeper in summer and winter.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Dale Hollow Dam Campground - 931 243-3554

Willow Grove Campground - 931 823-4285

Lily Dale Campground - 931 823-4155

Dale Hollow Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Dale Hollow Reservoir include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Rainbow trout Brown trout Bluegill Redear Sunfish Rock Bass Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Muskie Paddlefish Sauger