Dale Hollow Lake

Overview

Dale Hollow Lake is managed by Us Army Corps of Engineers and is located near Celina, Tennessee. Dale Hollow Lake is a vacation destination that borders the Tennessee-Kentucky state line. Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about 3 miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities.

Dale Hollow is also renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record Smallmouth Bass and being known as a trophy Smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. Secluded tie-ups are located around the shore, offering visitors a peaceful nature experience. Visitors desiring modern camping facilities will enjoy four developed campgrounds providing premier water-front camp sites equipped with water and electric hookup.

The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is located a short distance below the dam. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, producing 1.5 million trout annually. The hatchery is open to visitors daily.