Dale Hollow Reservoir

Dale Hollow Reservoir is a body of water on the border between Tennessee and Kentucky with a surface of roughly 27,700 acres and about 620 miles of shoreline. The water stretches across four counties and offers many branching coves and forested slopes along its edges.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers finished building Dale Hollow Dam in 1943 to control flooding and generate power. The flooding of the valley led to the relocation of several communities, including the town of Willow Grove.

The name comes from the original Dale Hollow valley that was flooded when the dam was finished. Today anglers and boaters use the quiet coves along the shore, while others swim at the shallow beaches or picnic in small groups.

Four developed campgrounds with electric and water hookups sit at different spots along the shore and provide access to boat ramps and swimming beaches. The quieter coves work well for fishing and kayaking, while the open areas suit motorboats.

In 1955 an angler here caught a smallmouth bass weighing 11 pounds and 15 ounces (5.4 kilograms), which remains the world record for the species. This catch made the reservoir known internationally among sport fishers.

Location: Clay County

Location: Pickett County

Location: Overton County

Location: Clinton County

GPS coordinates: 36.53673,-85.45163

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24