If Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is the Lake Tahoe of the East then Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee is the Lake Tahoe of the Midwest.  Without a doubt this lake is one of the most scenic you’ll find anywhere.  The Corps of Engineers control the lake and because of this there are no homes or personal docks anywhere to be found.  I don’t think many people know about this gem and I’m sure the locals don’t want their little secret exposed.  Beyond the 11 marinas the lake is as close to the look of a remote Canadian lake you’ll find anywhere. 

The smallmouth bass on this lake are known to be huge.  In fact, the world record hales from this lake at an incredible 11lbs 15oz.  Our guide, Bobby Gentry met us at the Dale Hollow 1 Stop at 6am and we were on the water before 6:30am.  We were quick to learn that had we fished the night before we could have expected a big bite with numerous 5lb smallmouth very likely.  An hour into our early morning outing saw a beautiful 4 lb smallmouth hit our soft crawfish lure only to escape our nets.  We had numerous strikes but only managed to bring one in the boat.  Night time is the time to target smallmouth on Dale Hollow Lake when water temperatures get into the 80’s.  Unfortunately with our tight schedule we didn’t believe we could afford the added stress of a night trip.

As guides go I don’t think you’ll find a nicer, more engaging, or experienced smallmouth bass guide in the world.  Bobby Gentry is a well known, accomplish angler, with many published articles to his credit on his many smallmouth fishing techniques.  Although we didn’t net many fish we did meet a legend and hope to return to Dale Hollow again one day to try our hand at these beautiful bronze backs.