The World Record Smallmouth Bass Lake Sits on the Kentucky-Tennessee Border
Why Rent On Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee border, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1943, making it the oldest artificial lake in Kentucky. The lake holds the world record for the largest smallmouth bass ever caught, and that alone tells you something about the quality of the fishing here. With a wooded, relatively undeveloped shoreline and water that stays clear and clean, Dale Hollow is one of the most beautiful and naturally preserved lakes in the entire southeastern United States.
Lakehouses and Cabins on Pristine Kentucky-Tennessee Water
Vacation rentals on Dale Hollow Lake offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, private docks, and beautiful lake views set against wooded hillsides that see relatively light development compared to more commercial Kentucky lakes. Pet-friendly options are available, and the lake’s natural character gives every rental a genuine sense of remoteness despite the available facilities. Hot tubs and outdoor living spaces with water views are common features in the premium rental properties here.
World-Class Fishing, Water Sports, and Clear Water Swimming
The lake holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, and trout, making it one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in Kentucky. Water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are all popular on the open water, and the lake’s clarity makes swimming from a private dock one of the genuinely great experiences Dale Hollow offers. Dale Hollow Lake State Park on the Kentucky side provides excellent facilities for the whole family.
A Lake That Rewards the Serious Outdoor Family
Dale Hollow’s world record fishing history draws serious anglers from across the country, but the lake’s natural beauty and clean water make it equally appealing to families who simply want a beautiful place to spend time together. The combination of excellent fishing, water sports, natural shoreline, and the Kentucky-Tennessee border setting gives this lake a character that more developed lakes have long since lost.
Kentucky’s Oldest Artificial Lake Is Still One of Its Best
Dale Hollow Lake has been drawing families to the Kentucky-Tennessee border since 1943, and the reasons for that loyalty remain as strong today as they were at the beginning. The water is beautiful, the fishing is exceptional, and a vacation rental here gives your family the privacy, the dock access, and the natural surroundings to experience one of the genuinely great lake destinations in the southeastern United States.
- Surface area (mi)
- 69.59
- Max depth (ft)
- 131.23
- Elevation (ft)
- 643.04
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 620.38
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Dale Hollow Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Dale Hollow Lake. These areas include Obey River Day Use, Lillydale Campground and Day Use, and Willow Grove Campground, each with adjoining sand beaches and restrooms nearby.
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Dale Hollow Lake is a popular destination because of its diverse outdoor activities. The lake offers hiking trails with various difficulty levels, such as the Cumberland Trail and Island Loop, as well as water activities like swimming, boating, and kayaking. Its pristine waters and abundant wildlife also attract visitors.
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The daily catch limit for smallmouth bass in Dale Hollow Lake is 2 per day, with a 16-21 inch protective slot limit. One fish may be under 16 inches and one may be over 21 inches. This regulation helps manage the smallmouth bass population in the lake.
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The best beach for families at Dale Hollow Lake is Lillydale Beach. It offers a sandy beach and is one of the designated swimming areas that are buoyed off to keep swimmers separate from boats. This area also provides a safe and enjoyable environment for family outings.
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Towns near Dale Hollow Lake on the Kentucky side include Albany and Byrdstown is not in Kentucky but nearby towns in Kentucky are Albany and others in Clinton and Pickett counties. These towns are located in the north-central part of Kentucky, close to the Tennessee-Kentucky state line.
