I moved to Dale Hollow in February specifically because of its smallmouth reputation. I'm retired and fish most days and not a few nights. To date my grand total of smallies is three, and of no size. Its not even a remarkable largemouth lake. I fish shallow, deep and in between with every bait you can imagine. I fish other Tennessee/Kentucky lakes and catch fish in a day that amount to a six week take on Dale Hollow. I think the place is living on its reputation.

Our club use to fish it in November and February and it was really good.  Six pound test and Rebel Deep Wee R were my go to bait there.  The more wind we had the more fish we caught.  I would like to retire some day around the Lake Cumberland area, which would keep me in reach of Dale.  I moved to OH so this is one of the lakes I really miss.  Keep casting!!

Come to Maine   

Dale Hollow was a phenomenal smallmouth factory for many years.  Last years extremely hot and dry weather led to very large fish kill during the summer.  It will take a few years before it gets back to normal.  Dale also has a huge learning curve, its not a lake your going to go and catch 100 fish a day (esp now).  I've been fishing it for about 8 years now and just started in the last few years to have more success.  I bet the first 5 times I went I never even had a bite.  Right now is still tough, usually the day time bite turns on around Thanksgiving.  It's hit or miss right now.  Get some jigs, big hammer swimbaits, tailspinners, and silver buddies, then find some bait.  Some days you will leave scratching your head, other days you think you have it all figured out.  Don't give up on it yet!  Winter is the best time to catch a big one at the Hollow!

Also check out smalljaw.com for the best info on Dale Hollow.