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The Dale Hollow Reservoir is situated on the Kentucky/Tennessee border. The lake is formed by the damming of the Obey River. It is also the site of Dale Hollow Lake State Park on the north side of the lake, in Kentucky.
The lake’s name originated from William Dale, a government surveyor, settling originally in Willow Grove. Mr. Dale bought his first 449 acres of land which he turned into a farm.The farm eventually grew into a plantation known as Dale Hollow. The dam was started in 1942; The waters of the lake ultimately covered both the farm and Willow Grove.The project was designed and completed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1943, making the lake the oldest artificial lake in Kentucky. Dale Hollow Dam is used to supply power to the surrounding countryside.
The lake is also frequently used for recreation. Water sports are popular, including water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing which are regularly seen, but the main recreational use is fishing. Dale Hollow is a choice location for smallmouth bass fishing, currently holding the world record for the largest smallmouth bass ever caught. The lake and surrounding rivers also contain other species such as largemouth bass, crappie, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, gar, and trout.
- Surface area (mi)
- 69.59
- Max depth (ft)
- 131.23
- Elevation (ft)
- 643.04
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 620.38
Ideal for
- Family friendly:
- Pet friendly:
- Romantic getaways:
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Where to stay
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.
