The Smallmouth Capital of the World is in Your Backyard.
Dale Hollow Lake straddles the Tennessee–Kentucky line just west of Fentress County — a pristine, 27,700-acre highland reservoir with crystal-clear water, 620 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and a fishing legacy that belongs in any angler’s hall of fame. Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is deliberately kept undeveloped. No private docks. No shoreline houses. Just wild, clean water.
The Biggest Smallmouth Bass Ever Caught
11 lbs, 15 oz David Lee Hayes · July 9, 1955 · Dale Hollow LakeThat record has stood for over 70 years — and Dale Hollow holds 6 of the top 10 largest smallmouth bass ever caught anywhere in the world. This isn’t just a great fishing lake. It’s the fishing lake.
Marinas, Campgrounds & Access Points
Click any pin for name, location, phone number, and available amenities. All 14 marinas plus Army Corps campgrounds and boat ramps are mapped.
Marinas & Resorts
Dale Hollow has 14 marinas spread across both sides of the lake. Here are the key stops, from full-service resorts to quiet cove access points.
Sulphur Creek Resort
Northern Tennessee side — full-service marina with pontoon boats, houseboats, and cabin rentals. One of the most popular destinations on the lake for families and groups.
Star Point Resort & Marina
Located off Hwy 52 between Jamestown and Livingston. Full-service marina with 400+ boat slips, 10 cabins, 3 houseboats, watercraft rentals, restaurant, and live music events.
Sunset Marina & Resort
Easiest highway access on the lake — located off Hwy 111 in Monroe, TN. One of the best spots for launching, with slips, RV camping, motel, boat rentals, and a bait shop.
Willow Grove Resort & Marina
Allons, TN. A favorite for houseboat rentals and family cabin stays. Sand beach, playground, boat ramp, and 112 campsites. Volleyball courts and full hookup sites available.
Dale Hollow & Cedar Hill Marinas
Clay County, TN. Two sister marinas — Dale Hollow Marina and Cedar Hill Marina — both offering cabins, motel rooms, boat rentals, and ship stores stocked with fishing tackle and supplies.
East Port Marina & Resort
Alpine, TN. A quieter, more remote option on the eastern Tennessee end of the lake. Good access for anglers targeting smallmouth in the eastern coves and creek arms.
Horse Creek Marina & Resort
Celina, TN. Positioned near the dam end of the lake — excellent water clarity and depth here, making it prime territory for trophy smallmouth. Boat slips, camping, and rentals available.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Burkesville, KY. The crown jewel on the Kentucky side — 60-room Mary Ray Oaken Lodge, 144-site campground, 18-hole golf course, full-service marina, and stunning bluff-top views over the lake.
Hendricks Creek Resort
Burkesville, KY. A popular Kentucky-side marina resort with cabins, houseboat rentals, boat slips, and a friendly atmosphere. Great base for exploring the upper lake arms.
More Than Just Fishing
Dale Hollow is a full-on outdoor destination. Here’s what’s on the menu.
Fishing
Home to 6 of the top 10 smallmouth bass ever caught. Also outstanding for walleye, crappie, largemouth, catfish, and trout. Tournaments run year-round.
Houseboating
Rent a houseboat for 2–7 nights and anchor in a private cove. No private docks means unobstructed shoreline as far as you can see. Pure freedom on the water.
Swimming
Dale Hollow’s water is among the clearest in Tennessee. Multiple sand beaches and swimming coves — plus the deep water is refreshing even in peak summer heat.
Kayaking & Paddling
With 620 miles of calm, undeveloped shoreline, kayakers can explore coves, creek arms, and bluff faces that you simply can’t reach by powerboat.
Golf
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park on the Kentucky side has an 18-hole championship golf course regularly voted one of Kentucky’s finest — with lake views throughout.
Wildlife & Birding
Over 24,000 acres of public hunting land surround the lake. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and bald eagles are commonly spotted from the water.
Sunset Watching
The undeveloped shoreline means nothing between you and the horizon. Dale Hollow sunsets over the water are a bucket-list experience — best from a houseboat deck.
Stargazing
No shoreline development means almost zero light pollution over the water. The Milky Way is visible on clear nights — especially from coves on the Tennessee side.
Fishing Dale Hollow: What You Need to Know
The world record has stood since 1955 for a reason. Here’s how to fish this lake right.
🗓 Best Seasons
Spring (March–April) and Fall (October–November) are prime for big smallmouth. Summer fishing is best early morning or after dark. Winter is surprisingly productive — school up in deep points and use jigging spoons.
📏 Regulations (TN)
Smallmouth bass: 2 per day, 16–21 inch Protected Length Range. One fish under 16″ and one over 21″ allowed. All species: max 4 rods per angler from boat. Fishing license required for ages 13+.
🎯 Target Species
Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, bluegill, trout (stocked from Obey River Hatchery), musky, and spotted bass. Something is always biting — Dale Hollow is a true year-round fishery.
🪝 Top Techniques
Spring: crankbaits on rocky transition areas, bass jigs. Summer: deep finesse rigs, forward-facing sonar for offshore fish. Fall: shad-colored spinnerbaits and topwater. Winter: football jigs on deep tapering points.
📋 License Info
Tennessee and Kentucky both require a valid state license. A reciprocal agreement covers the Wolf River border stretch — either state’s license is valid there. Buy online at tn.gov/twra or fw.ky.gov before your trip.
🏆 Tournament Scene
Dale Hollow hosts fishing tournaments throughout the year on both sides of the state line. The annual “Shake the Lake” fireworks and fishing event at Mitchell Creek Marina is a 4th of July tradition. Check each marina’s calendar.
Good to Know Before You Go
📍 Getting There
- From Jamestown: Hwy 52 west ~30 min
- From Nashville: ~2 hrs via I-40 and Hwy 111
- From Knoxville: ~2.5 hrs via I-40 west
- Nearest airport: Nashville BNA
- GPS: Celina, TN 38551 for south end
🌡️ Best Times to Visit
- Fishing: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
- Houseboating: May–September
- Swimming: June–August
- Fall foliage: mid-Oct to early Nov
- Open year-round — no entry fee
📌 Quick Tips
- Book houseboats 3–6 months out
- Cell service spotty in coves
- Carry a paper lake map
- Buy fishing license online first
- Watch for afternoon storms in Aug
Ready to Make Dale Hollow Your Home Base?
Fentress County puts you within 30 minutes of the lake — with Big South Fork, Pickett State Park, and Highland Manor Winery all nearby too. If you’re thinking about making this area home, Tim & Lori Denehy know every road, every cove, and every neighborhood.
Tim & Lori Denehy · Mitchell Real Estate · Jamestown, TN
Three Reasons to Go Fentress
From the world’s longest yard sale to a world-record lake to America’s most celebrated soldier — everything that makes Fentress County unforgettable.
World’s Longest
Yard Sale
Highway 127 runs right through Jamestown. Hundreds of thousands of treasure hunters. Four days every August.
Explore the Route →Dale Hollow
Lake
Crystal-clear water, 620 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and the world record smallmouth — 30 minutes from Jamestown.
Explore the Lake →Sergeant
Alvin C. York
America’s most decorated WWI soldier was born, lived, and is buried 9 miles from Jamestown. The farm and gristmill are still there.
Discover His Story →