Dale Hollow

[wishin]

I am planning a trip to Dale sometime end of March/ beginning of April. Does anyone have a suggestion as to when is the best time? I have been before but later in the spring...out of Hendricks Creek.

Thanks...any info would be heplful.

[mhall]

Both should be alright especially April. All depends on water temps and lake levels. If you get some 55 degree water or above and some wind, fish that spinnerbait and jerkbait in the chop and hang on.

[wishin]

I've been twice in mid April and it always seems like I just missed the good jerkbait bite. That's why I'm looking to move the trip up a few weeks.

[Fishin_4_Fun]

prime time for me in years past usually has been the last week of Feb, 1st week of March, if/when the water first begins to warm into the upper 40s, low 50s, and preferably stained enough you can't see a crankbait past 1-2 feet. Spinnerbaits work well also, and jerkbaits if the water is clearer. I've caught lots of nice smallmouth during those times right against the banks in 2 to 5 feet of water.

Don't shy away from fishing murky water with less than 1 ft visibility. I had one of my better days with 8-10 big smallmouth there one time, when you couldn't see a bright red crankbait 3 inches under the water. I had a boat ease over to me and ask how I was doing that day, and I know he felt I was lying when I told him what I had caught. He said "IN THIS MUDDY WATER??"

[skeeterjames]

Dale Hollow Advice:

Find Coves with Grass in the backs + wind blowing into these coves with this grass + crankbaits and spinnerbaits = MONSTER LARGEMOUTHS!!!

Dont forget to hit the bluffs with the buddies and shaky heads.

email me at james.collier@louisvillemetrobassclub.com and ill try to help you out. I have a tournament there mid march.

Skeeter