Dale Hollow Lake

Lake Information

Dale Hollow lies in the Highland Rim section of northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky; a forested, mountainous region characterized by scattered farming and low population density. This land use in the watershed area is reflected in the high quality of the water in Dale Hollow reservoir. Over the years, Corps personnel have found the water of Dale Hollow lake to be relatively free of sanitary and chemical impurities – making it one of the finest in water quality in the Cumberland basin. The Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with other agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky, is making a continuous effort to insure that the water quality, recreational use and beauty of the lake are not impaired.

The high quality of the water in Dale Hollow reservoir is important to the operation of the fish hatchery just below the dam. The US Fish and Wildlife Service operates the service on 40 acres of land made available by the Corps of Engineers. This is typical of the cooperation between Federal agencies in providing recreational opportunities in the Cumberland basin. Built during the 1960s, the hatchery produces 300,000 pounds of trout each year for Tennessee and the contiguous states. For further information call the hatchery manager at 931-243-2443.

Important Numbers

Lake Levels

Observed 11/20/2024 @ Midnight CST 

Reservoir Elevation
637.61'
Tailwater Elevation
505.11'
Average Discharge
25 cuft/s

Generation Release

Currently operating 0 generators

Midnight - 5 AM CST, 11/21/2024

Next schedule: 1 generator from 5 AM to 8 AM CST, 11/21/2024.

Recreational Activities

For those seeking a more leisurely vacation, our area provides some wonderful, relaxing activities. Bird watchers will love viewing the purple martins that live in our elaborate bird houses. Eagle watching is also a popular winter pastime. Hiking is also popular with several paths available close to the resort.

Dale Hollow Lake is an excellent lake for freshwater fishing. All types of freshwater fish can be caught from a boat or directly from the shoreline. The world’s largest Smallmouth Bass was caught in Dale Hollow Lake!

Dale Hollow Lake History

Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the River and Harbor Act of 1946. The project was completed for flood control in 1943. Power generating units of 18,000-kilowatt capacity were added in 1948, 1949, and 1953, providing a total hydroelectric capacity of 54,000 kilowatts. The project was designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and built by private contractors under the supervision of the Corps. The dam, powerhouse and reservoir are operated by Corps of Engineers personnel under the direction of the Nashville District Engineer.

Dale Hollow Dam is located approximately three miles east of Celina, Tennessee, on the Obey River, 7.3 miles above its confluence with the Cumberland River at river mile 380.9. Dale Hollow Lake covers portions of Clay, Pickett, Overton, and Fentress Counties in TN, and Clinton and Cumberland Counties in KY.