Dale Hollow Info

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11-23-2021, 09:41 AM
bwilso

Dale Hollow Info

Last year a poster posted a message about late winter/early spring Smallmouth fishing at Dale Hollow in the area of Kemper Flats. I would like to plan a trip there and was wondering if that poster can tell me what is the best time of year.
Thanks
11-23-2021, 07:57 PM
Alphahawk

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bwilso

Last year a poster posted a message about late winter/early spring Smallmouth fishing at Dale Hollow in the area of Kemper Flats. I would like to plan a trip there and was wondering if that poster can tell me what is the best time of year.
Thanks

I would go in April-May. Look for water temps in high 50’s for them to move up on the flats….but I have seen it when they never moved up due to high an cold water. In 2016 and 2017 I was catching 50-60 Smallies a day when I would go. My best 5 days straight I boated 350 Smallies…..many in the 19-21 inch range. I do it a little different than most. All on UL gear…2# test line and a Trout Magnet. But I was up there for other fish…..the smallmouth just got in the way. For me though the best days are when I get into the big bluegill and shell cracker. I have fished Dale Hollow in every month of the year…..never been skunked there. If you can take the weather go in Jan-Feb and do the Float’N Fly. That will produce 50 fish days also…..and unlike others I did not use the so called fly. My rod….braided line setup was the same but the lure was…you guessed it, a Trout Magnet.

Regards

Attachment 413194 Attachment 413195 Attachment 413196 Attachment 413197 Attachment 413198 Attachment 413199

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11-23-2021, 09:26 PM
skeetbum

Make me wanna move back Randy.
11-24-2021, 05:26 AM
BuckeyeCrappie

Some beauties there. Dale Hollow sure is beautiful!
11-24-2021, 08:10 AM
BobC

Wow - nice and chunky! That water really produces some nice own. You could do worse than smallies getting in the way!
Bob
11-24-2021, 08:46 AM
DockShootinJack

Those are some nice examples
11-24-2021, 09:42 AM
bwilso

Thanks Randy!
i'm getting my planning calendar out now!
12-10-2021, 01:12 PM
bwilso

Thanks!!!!
i need to learn the "Float and Fly" looks like bobber fishing but I'm sure it is more intricate. If you were after the big Crackers you must have been in fairly shallow water. My quick recon of Kemper Flats showed much deeper water than I would assume to have Bluegill and Shellcrakers. Can't wait to give it a try this early Spring! Got to get there before the pleasure boat crowd. Maybe first nice weather of the new year!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I would go in April-May. Look for water temps in high 50’s for them to move up on the flats….but I have seen it when they never moved up due to high an cold water. In 2016 and 2017 I was catching 50-60 Smallies a day when I would go. My best 5 days straight I boated 350 Smallies…..many in the 19-21 inch range. I do it a little different than most. All on UL gear…2# test line and a Trout Magnet. But I was up there for other fish…..the smallmouth just got in the way. For me though the best days are when I get into the big bluegill and shell cracker. I have fished Dale Hollow in every month of the year…..never been skunked there. If you can take the weather go in Jan-Feb and do the Float’N Fly. That will produce 50 fish days also…..and unlike others I did not use the so called fly. My rod….braided line setup was the same but the lure was…you guessed it, a Trout Magnet.

Regards

Attachment 413194 Attachment 413195 Attachment 413196 Attachment 413197 Attachment 413198 Attachment 413199

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12-10-2021, 01:32 PM
DockShootinJack

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwilso

Thanks!!!!
i need to learn the "Float and Fly" looks like bobber fishing but I'm sure it is more intricate. If you were after the big Crackers you must have been in fairly shallow water. My quick recon of Kemper Flats showed much deeper water than I would assume to have Bluegill and Shellcrakers. Can't wait to give it a try this early Spring! Got to get there before the pleasure boat crowd. Maybe first nice weather of the new year!

It is to me not any different than float and bait. It allows to keep a jig in their face
12-10-2021, 02:15 PM
Alphahawk

Quote:

Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

It is to me not any different than float and bait. It allows to keep a jig in their face

Much different than float and bait. You want to use a weighted float matched to the weight of your jig…fly….so if the Smallies take it and move up…and they very often do….the float will fall to its side. On a Float N Fly set up you will be using braid as main line or you’re not going to catch many fish. A nine foot rod is the minimum I would fish….sometimes a 10-11 footer if you can find one. A swivel is involved also where the 2 lines meet. You want your float in one of the holes on the swivel….not on the line. Folks who do this on a regular basis will have this setup fine tuned. Most use maybe a 15 foot section of FC leader. Punisher Jigs has some great FNF gear. They sell…or did sell if they are still in business… a great kit for FNF.

Regards

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