Dale Hollow Help Needed

[Shad]

I will be at Dale Hollow Lake next week for 4 days on Thursday May 7 - 10. I am going with a bunch of guys from work that picked Dale Hollow Lake for this years fishing trip. I don't have a clue how to catch a fish on Dale Hollow Lake in May. Been there a couple of times in the past with no success. It is a tough lake to fish for me but hopefully I am wrong this year. We are out of Eagle's Creek which I think is around the middle of the lake. Any suggestions on how to fish it next week? Much appreciated.

[montagc]

I will be at Dale Hollow Lake next week for 4 days on Thursday May 7 - 10. I am going with a bunch of guys from work that picked Dale Hollow Lake for this years fishing trip. I don't have a clue how to catch a fish on Dale Hollow Lake in May. Been there a couple of times in the past with no success. It is a tough lake to fish for me but hopefully I am wrong this year. We are out of Eagle's Creek which I think is around the middle of the lake. Any suggestions on how to fish it next week? Much appreciated.

You probably mean Eagle Cove marina. It's on the wolf river arm. Lots of fish in that area. It would help to know what type of fishing you do (spider rig, troll, throw jigs, bait, etc.) I'd go a little further up the river or major creek arms and find where trees have slid into the water, preferably with varying water depth, weeds or near a channel or creek junction. I'll be honest though, I have no idea when or where crappie spawn down there. That could be a major factor in locating them. One hint, it is very clear, so they may be much deeper than you think.

My Dad is going down on Friday. I'll give his report when he gets back.

[tnvol]

tcb,

Drop a cricket or worm on the bottom or near it....in any cut or bay in that area, and you should be able to catch some nice bluegills this
time of year. I would also try minnows and/or jigs....(or jigs and minnows) around any downed trees in the same cuts for crappie. Good luck...it should be good fishing !

[montagc]

TWRA Region 3 report for April 27:

Dale Hollow: Fishing is good. Water temperature is 62 degrees; lake is rising.
Bass: Several bass are being caught on topwater baits and jigs around willow bushes and shallow cover in 5 feet of water.
Crappie: A few crappie are being caught in the willow bushes on minnows in 2 feet of water. Shellcrackers: Several are being caught on nightcrawlers in gravel pockets.
Walleye: Lots are being caught on jerkbaits and crankbaits on points in 10-to-15 feet of water.

Here is the direct link, so you can check it again closer to your trip.
HuntFishBuddy - Your Online GATEWAY to the Outdoors

I may end up down there that same weekend.

[Shad]

It is at Eagle Cove not Eagle Creek. I just had Eagle Creek and middle area of lake in my mind for some reason. I appreciate the help guys. I plan on fishing for anything that will bite. I am sure I will bass fish but I also plan to try for some crappie and hopefully some huge bluegills. Will have plenty of time to experiment. I don't currently plan on bringing my spider rigging set up with me but have thought about doing some longline trolling. I would guess I will need to troll with at least an 1/8oz jig head to get it deep enough in that clear deep water. I have never caught a crappie there so odds are not good for me catching crappie but I will try. Catching some big bluegill is definetly interesting. I will try that out for sure. Thanks

[rcnickparker]

Toughest lake I've ever fished. Good luck.