Dale Hollow Lake (Report)

[BRS]

Come to the dark side or is it the TN side of Dale Hollow Lake. A lot more water, lot more structure and a lot better opportunity to catch some really good smallmouth in TN waters versus KY waters. Spend the extra money on the TN liscense and stop wasting all that money on the trips only to fish part of the lake and it is the worse part of the lake at that. Basically you are limiting yourself to the Wolfe River system unless you run to the north side of Sulphur or Pusley. The Obey River is what originally provided the Smallmouth action and it is clearer water better smallmouth water versus the Wolfe. Spend the money and come to the dark side.

Elnutsmalljaws I would not brush the KY side off altogether that is where the world record came from if not mistaken. But with out a doult there is a lot more fishing on the TN side.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Elnutsmalljaws I would not brush the KY side off altogether that is where the world record came from if not mistaken. But with out a doult there is a lot more fishing on the TN side.

It was caught on the Ky side, which is why it is also recognized as the KY record. The spot it was caught is no more than a mile or so from where the Wolfe and Obey meet each other in the Lillydale area. I do fish this area but no where near as much as the TN side. Just too much water and different opportunites on the TN side and when you pattern the fish, you can run this pattern to so many more spots on the TN side versus the KY side. Plus, I am speaking of FNF winter fishing and the water is just more stable when it comes to water clarity when you get out of the Wolfe River. The Obey is clearer and does not dirty up as bad and the mid lake area down to the dam is clearer and it takes a lot to dirty it up. True believer that the fish HAVE to see the fly before it works its best because not a lot of movement in the presentation for them to use their lateral line, no rattle or noise for them to focus in on so pretty much the fish dope for smell and the sight is how they find the bait. this is why depth and presentation is so much more important in fishing the fly than any other thing because you have to put it in front of them to hit it. Just too many opportunies to fish deep grass, shallo grass, black shale, chunk riock, ledges, humps and other stuff in TN waters versus the Ky waters. I have spent a lot of time on Dale Hollow overall and spent a lot of time in KY waters but never had the luck or whatever you call it to catch the better quality smallmouth. I did lose my biggest fish ever after she straightened my hook out on my FNF jig in Feb 2005 in Ky reciprocating water less than a couple 100 yards from where the world record was caught but have yet to land a 5+ pounder and not many 4+ pounders on the Ky side. I catch way more Spotted bass and largemouth in the Wolfe River versus Smallies. The other thing that I have to fight is in my own mind with 3 over 6 and another 35 or so over 5 and 200 or so over 4 all caught in TN water, just can't leave these spots to go fish the Wolfe or any other part of the lake unless I absolutely have to. I catch 99% of my fish from Lillydale down to a couple miles south of First Island on the main lake and a couple of miles south of Lillydale into the Obey River. Pretty much almost 5-6 miles either way of Hendricks Creek is where you will find my boat.

[mybentrod]

Just got back last night. Water temps are hanging around 62 degrees. I fished my tail off and only caught one that went 4 1/2lbs. That baby came on live bait drifting on the bottom. I couldn't get a smell of a bite on top water, cranks, silver buddy, or slow rolled spinner. I fished by Trooper Island into Hendricks picked the fish up in between Holly and Roberts. I had a couple of dinks between, but nothing to post about COLD mornings, but blue bird afternoon skys. No wonder fishing is rough. I will tell ya, the wind on SAT was rough to fish in. Mymind kept saying main lake points, but my body kept saying, hide in a creek...psssst find a cove. Heading back in the morning for four more days....I'll report again upon my return.

BTW, Woody, I spoke to Stephen Headrick. He is a very good guy, and says hi. Marked up a map for me and we had a conversation for a bit. I fished these spots and caught the 4.5 lber. THANKS MR. HEADRICK!!!! I coulda blanked out, but didn't.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Just got back last night. Water temps are hanging around 62 degrees. I fished my tail off and only caught one that went 4 1/2lbs. That baby came on live bait drifting on the bottom. I couldn't get a smell of a bite on top water, cranks, silver buddy, or slow rolled spinner. I fished by Trooper Island into Hendricks picked the fish up in between Holly and Roberts. I had a couple of dinks between, but nothing to post about COLD mornings, but blue bird afternoon skys. No wonder fishing is rough. I will tell ya, the wind on SAT was rough to fish in. Mymind kept saying main lake points, but my body kept saying, hide in a creek...psssst find a cove. Heading back in the morning for four more days....I'll report again upon my return.

BTW, Woody, I spoke to Stephen Headrick. He is a very good guy, and says hi. Marked up a map for me and we had a conversation for a bit. I fished these spots and caught the 4.5 lber. THANKS MR. HEADRICK!!!! I coulda blanked out, but didn't.

Steve is an outstanding man and friend. As much as I love to fish Dale Hollow and chase my beloved smallmouth, I also enjoy the time we spend sitting in his office talking about fishing and life in general. His wife Lynnette is very personable and their little girl is a doll. Can't tell you how often either Steve and myself or us 2 and Lynnette just sit and talk after a long day of fishing. Excellent people these 2 and Steve is as honest as the day is long. You can call him before your trip and he will tell you what the fish are doing, good or bad, to help you get started or might just help you delay your trip a bit before the bite gets better. Glad you caught one good one, my bet is that one fish already has you ready for the next trip.

[mybentrod]

I have stocked up on Split shots and some 3/o hooks. Going to visit all the ink on the map he so graciously marked up. I wish I had the time to sit and talk more but after 165 miles.....I come to fish, not talk....lol I am sure you understand.