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Dale Hollow Lake

Recreation Haven

Dale Hollow Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in the Southeast and the nation. The Corps of Engineers has purposely kept DHL underdeveloped, so you see Mother Nature at her finest. Dale Hollow Lake is a haven for houseboating, smallmouth bass fishing and all types of water recreation. There are no private docks or homes dotting the shoreline or landscape, and the clarity of the water is unmatched anywhere in the region.

The dam is located roughly three miles east of Celina. The junction of the Obey and Cumberland rivers is a few miles downstream. In recent years, the Obey has proven to be a popular canoeing and kayaking stream, while both sports are also enjoyed on the lake.

The lake is always ranked among the best houseboating lakes on the continent. In addition, the lake attracts about three million visitors annually.

Dale Hollow and the surrounding area provide recreational opportunities in many areas. These include fishing, hunting, camping, boating, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving and other activities. Scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts love DHL.

Then there’s the smallmouth bass fishing. Not only does the lake hold the world record, it holds the top three spots, six of the top 10 and 10 of the top 25 ever caught. When we say DHL is the smallmouth capital of the world, it’s not bragging, it’s just stating fact.

You’ll find Dale Hollow to be very rustic and pristine compared with other lakes due to a conscious effort by the Corps of Engineers. So, you’ll see Mother Nature in all her glory.