Fishing GuideFentress County & Dale Hollow
The world-record smallmouth bass was pulled from these waters in 1955. It still stands. Here’s everything you need to know to fish Fentress County — lake, river, and pond.
🌲 Big South Fork
🎣 Holpps Pine Ridge
🐟 Species Guide
📅 Seasonal Tips
📋 Licensing
🧭 Fishing Guides
The World RecordThat Still Stands
On July 9, 1955, David Hayes pulled an 11 lb 15 oz smallmouth bass from Dale Hollow Lake — a world record that has stood for over 70 years despite enormous pressure from anglers across the globe. Dale Hollow has produced 6 of the top 10 smallmouth bass ever caught, and is universally recognized as the Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World. But smallmouth are just the beginning.
Caught by David Hayes on July 9, 1955 in Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee. The record has withstood 70+ years of challenge from anglers around the world — a testament to the extraordinary fishery right here in Fentress County’s backyard. Dale Hollow has also produced 6 of the all-time top 10 smallmouth ever recorded.
📍 Dale Hollow Lake, TN
🏆 IGFA World Record
⏱️ 71 Years & Counting
Dale Hollow LakeComplete Fishing Guide
Dale Hollow straddles the Tennessee–Kentucky border and is one of the clearest reservoirs in the eastern United States. 27,700 acres, depths to 130 feet near the dam, 650+ miles of shoreline — and virtually no private development along the banks. Fishing here feels like having a private lake.
Built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1943, Dale Hollow is a highland reservoir fed by the Obey River. The water is exceptionally clear — sometimes 20+ foot visibility — which makes it a finesse fisherman’s paradise. The lack of development along the shoreline means the habitat is pristine.
In 2023, Dale Hollow was designated as a Bill Dance Signature Lake — one of nine large reservoirs in Tennessee — with access improvements, courtesy docks, fishing piers, and new signage designed in collaboration with legendary angler Bill Dance.
The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery below the dam is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi — producing 1.5 million trout per year, 300,000 pounds annually.
Dale Hollow Smallmouth Bass Special Regulations: Smallmouth bass are subject to a 16–21 inch Protected Length Range (PLR). Only one fish under 16 inches and one fish over 21 inches may be kept per day. Maximum 2 smallmouth per day total. This is more restrictive than statewide rules — know it before you fish. Always verify current regulations at tn.gov/twra as they are updated annually.
License Note — Dale Hollow crosses two states. Most of Dale Hollow is in Tennessee — a Tennessee fishing license covers the majority of the lake. The Wolf River arm and Illwill Creek embayment are reciprocal waters where either TN or KY license is valid. If you fish deep into Kentucky waters, you’ll need a KY license. When in doubt, fish the TN side or carry both. Reciprocal agreements were being updated as of early 2026 — always verify at tn.gov/twra.
Big South Fork River &Streams
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River runs through the heart of 125,000 acres of national recreation area — providing over 244 miles of rivers and streams for fishing. It’s not Dale Hollow, but the smallmouth fishing is excellent and the scenery is unmatched.
Smallmouth bass, rock bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, walleye, musky, and several trout species. The smallmouth here are plentiful if not as large as Dale Hollow. Walleye fishing is best late winter through early spring. Catfishing peaks in early summer. Bass fishing is strongest late summer through fall.
The Wolf River flows through Sgt. York’s historic farm in Pall Mall and is part of the Dale Hollow Lake system. The special Dale Hollow smallmouth regulations (16–21 inch PLR) apply on the Wolf River upstream to the South Ford Road bridge. Peaceful, beautiful, and steeped in history.
Leatherwood Ford is the primary river access point in BSF — a popular put-in for kayaking and wading anglers. Bandy Creek Campground provides base camp access to multiple river fishing stretches. Both are free to access with no entry fee.
Holpps Pine Ridge LakeMonterey, TN
A hidden gem just outside Fentress County in Monterey — a 185-acre man-made lake built in the late 1960s and stocked by the state with bass, bream, catfish, red ear, and crappie. Part campground, part fishing hole, part community gathering spot. Rated 4.6 stars on Google with 238+ reviews.
185-acre state-stocked lake with bass, bream, catfish, red ear sunfish, and crappie. No lake restrictions on watercraft — bring your boat or jet ski. Kayak rentals available. Sandy beach swimming areas, pavilions, camp store with deli, ice cream, and supplies. RV sites with electric and water hookups. Fireworks on the 4th of July.
“Awesome for fishing, camping and swimming. The ice cream and pizza is really good as well.”
“Have stayed in the primitive cabin. It is so peaceful. Wonderful and friendly staff. Best milkshakes made with hand dipped ice cream. Just wonderful.”
“My wife and I have been coming here for years and never had a bad experience. The owner and staff made you feel welcome.”
What You Can Catch Here
Dale Hollow and the surrounding waters hold an exceptional variety of species. Regulations below are for Dale Hollow Lake — always verify at tn.gov/twra before fishing as rules update annually.
The main event. Dale Hollow holds 6 of the top 10 smallmouth ever caught. Five-pound fish are common. Finesse presentations in clear water — drop shots, Ned rigs, hair jigs. Rocky points, bluffs, and submerged timber are prime habitat. Best spring and winter.
Largemouth thrive in the shallower creek arms and cove areas with vegetation and structure. Punching mats, flipping laydowns, and topwater frogs early morning. Spring and fall are prime seasons for big largemouth in the backs of coves.
Walleye fishing has exploded at Dale Hollow in recent years with anglers flocking to fill coolers. TWRA actively stocks sauger and walleye as part of ongoing management. Vertical jigging over main lake structure and points is the primary technique. Late winter and early spring are peak season.
Crappie fishing has boomed at Dale Hollow and is considered among the best in the region for “table fare.” Both black and white crappie are present. Spider rigging over brush piles and structure is the standard approach. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action in 10–20 feet of water.
Trophy musky are present in Dale Hollow — a bucket-list fish for many anglers. Targeting muskies requires large presentations — big swimbaits, jerkbaits, figure-eight at boatside. Fall is peak season when muskies are most aggressive. One of the more challenging but rewarding pursuits on the lake.
Channel catfish and flathead catfish are plentiful throughout Dale Hollow and the BSF river system. Night fishing with cut bait and chicken liver along channel edges and creek mouths is most productive. Summer is peak catfish season on both the lake and BSF river.
Rainbow, brown, and brook trout are present in BSF streams and are stocked in select areas. The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery below the dam produces 1.5 million trout per year — the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi. Trout fishing in BSF tributaries requires an additional trout stamp.
Bluegill, redear sunfish, and shell crackers provide great action for families and beginners. Simple bobber-and-worm rigs around docks, brush piles, and shallow flats produce fish all day. No creel limit and no length limit — excellent for kids’ first fishing experiences.
Fishing Licenses &What You Need
Tennessee fishing licenses are required for anyone age 13 or older. Licenses are affordable and can be purchased online, by phone, or at any Walmart or sporting goods store in Jamestown and Crossville.
You can also buy licenses at Walmart in Jamestown or any sporting goods store. Children under 13 fish free. Licenses are valid for one calendar year. Always carry your license while fishing — wardens do check on Dale Hollow regularly.
Fishing Guides onDale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow is a technical lake — clear water, pressured fish, and depth variation that rewards local knowledge. A guide trip is worth every dollar, especially on your first visit. These are the guides with the best reputations on the lake.
Widely regarded as one of the top Dale Hollow guides — accomplished tournament angler and lifelong local. Specializes in forward-facing sonar and modern techniques.
One of the most popular and well-reviewed guide services on Dale Hollow. Long track record and highly recommended by visiting anglers.
Veteran Dale Hollow guide who has been fishing the lake for decades — and literally wrote the book on fishing Dale Hollow. Highly recommended for learning the lake.
You can also browse and book Dale Hollow guides through FishingBooker.com — Dale Hollow has 29,500+ reviews from anglers who’ve booked trips there.
Thinking About Moving Near These Waters?
A lot of people fish Fentress County once and start asking what it costs to own land nearby. Tim & Lori Denehy are local real estate agents who can help you find property near Dale Hollow, Big South Fork, or anywhere in the county.