I didn't put this in the  fishing location area because it covers both SE & NE groups. Group of four guys going for a week in May. We are looking for lodging & one boat rental or guide service for two guys. Other two guys are bringing their own boat to use. Preliminary plan was to stay at King Creek Resort in Benton on Kentucky Lake. Has anyone fished both lakes and have a preference for one over the other? Looking for suggestions as none of us have any experience with either lake. We are traveling from Michigan, Georgia & Florida & picking a location somewhere in the middle for everyone. Any help is appreciated.  

Haven't been to KY lake in quite a few years. I fished it 4 or 5 times and was never disappointed. My PB of just under 7lbs was caught there in early April. If you do go, you have to stop at Marquita's Place for breakfast or dinner. A little hole in the wall diner that serves good food at a good price.

Must stop at Knoth's bbq. near the Ky. dam if it's still around. That pulled pork was to die for in the 80's/90's. 

Kentucky Lake for both size and quantity. I will get back with you on a recommended

guide service.

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

Kentucky Lake for both size and quantity. I will get back with you on a recommended

guide service.

 

Kent has the Asian carp invasion affected the fishing. I saw some negative comments regarding the current fishery. 

They are vastly different lakes. Dale hollow is a deep, clear highland reservoir with a surprising amount of grass . KY lake is a monstrosity that is much shallower and faster. Then again, I’m betting you already knew this! I’ve heard ticking the tops of grass with paddle tail swim baits can be great on dale hollow 

I have only seen a handful of the carp and have not heard of any impact on the

fishing.

Kentucky is not in the top 20 top bass lakes now due to the carp and probably pressure it gets. It was once a top notch fishery. While you can still have good days, it’s a tough lake now. 

8 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

I have only seen a handful of the carp and have not heard of any impact on the

fishing.

You must wear a blindfold. They are everywhere. I’ve seen them in schools that seem to not end and some bays that they are bank to bank.  Fishermen are netting them by the thousands of pounds but it’s a slow process to remove enough to make a dent. 

Used to fish ky lake a cple times a year and it was fantastic a few years ago. Haven't been in a few years due to the negative impact of the carp. Everyone around here (live in Central ky) says its not what it used to be by a long shot. All the trails I fish around here used to have their classics at ky lake and they've all moved them to chickamauga or Cumberland now. Not real familiar with Dale hollow.  Id guess it would be a little worse fishing but more peaceful and pretty.  Of course you have Cumberland as well and it's turned into a pretty hot smallmouth lake. I personally would probably try my luck at ky/Barkley but Dale would be a fun trip as well. 

This summer will be my 10th annual trip to Kentucky Lake. We have always stayed at Shawnee Bay Resort in Benton, KY. Nice cabins, marina with boat rentals, SUPER FANTASTIC OWNERS!! We have visited in May, June, July and August. Late May and early June has been the best ledge fishing(as they move out to the ledges). I would say the fishing has gotten steadily tougher every year and the Asian carp population grows every year. Coincidence?

 

 I’ve never been to Dale Hollow so can’t compare, sorry.

You have numerous votes for KY. I have been there but not fished so I can’t speak to that lake, however I have fished Dale Hollow. It is a totally different kind of lake as @TnRiver46said and when I went it was my first time with that style of fishing. It is absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. You’d be hard-pressed to find that kind of peace on KY. Maybe on Barkley. I felt the fishing was good and, being normally surrounded by water with inches of visibility, I loved the clear water and watching those crazy spots hit my lures like a Tasmanian Devil. The SM were tough but it was my first time fishing for them. You won’t go wrong if you pick Dale Hollow and go with the right attitude. Good luck on your trip. 
 

Looks like we are going to Dale Hollow. Thanks for all the info. I have heard the smallies suspend post spawn feeding on schools of alewives. Anybody else dialed into that bite?

On 2/10/2021 at 9:02 AM, Dwight Hottle said:

Looks like we are going to Dale Hollow. Thanks for all the info. I have heard the smallies suspend post spawn feeding on schools of alewives. Anybody else dialed into that bite?

 Not on dale hollow but I certainly have on Norris (similar lake, clear deep and steep) Sometimes the fun part is over by 9 am but man it’s fun. I actually catch the suspended bass with top water mostly, they will come up from 20+ to smash it 

I've fished both but it's been several years. If it were me I'd choose Dale Hollow just because of the Asian Carp problem on KY/Barkley.