(TN) Dale Hollow Sunshirt

Dale Hollow Lake is a scenic reservoir that straddles the border of northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky. It was created in 1943 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Obey River, primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power, and improving navigation on the Cumberland River. Today, it is widely known for its stunning natural beauty, deep, clear waters, and its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the lake’s major claims to fame is that it’s the home of the world record smallmouth bass, caught in 1955 by David L. Hayes. That legendary fish weighed 11 pounds, 15 ounces, and the record still stands, making Dale Hollow a bucket-list destination for serious anglers. The lake is also nationally recognized for having some of the cleanest water in the eastern United States, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and scuba diving. It supports a thriving aquatic ecosystem that includes smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and trout, while the surrounding forests and rolling hills provide habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles, and a variety of migratory birds.

Dale Hollow Lake was also one of the first places in the country where houseboating became popular, and it remains a favorite destination for houseboat vacations to this day. Despite its popularity, the shoreline is largely undeveloped, preserving the lake’s natural feel and offering visitors a quiet, peaceful experience. It is also home to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, one of the largest in the U.S., which raises millions of trout each year to stock rivers and lakes throughout the region. With over 620 miles of shoreline and countless opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, Dale Hollow Lake stands out as a place of both ecological richness and recreational significance.