Dale Hollow Lake sits on the Kentucky–Tennessee border, covering portions of Clay, Pickett, Overton, and Fentress Counties in Tennessee and Clinton and Cumberland Counties in Kentucky. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the project in 1943 by damming the Obey River, making it one of the oldest Corps reservoirs and one of Kentucky’s oldest artificial lakes. At normal pool, the lake covers 27,700 acres with 620 miles of shoreline — most of it undeveloped, since the Corps maintains jurisdiction over all adjacent land and enforces strict shoreline management policies that keep the banks heavily wooded and largely free of private development.
The result is one of the clearest reservoirs in the eastern United States, with visibility that can exceed 20 feet in calm conditions. That clarity, combined with excellent rocky habitat and a well-managed fishery, has made Dale Hollow one of the top smallmouth bass destinations in the country. The lake holds the world record for the largest smallmouth bass ever caught on rod and reel — an 11-pound, 15-ounce fish measuring 27 inches long with a 21⅔-inch girth, caught by David Hayes of Leitchfield, Kentucky, in July 1955.
There are approximately 15 commercial marinas on Dale Hollow. The five below represent the main full-service options most visitors use as a base. Because marinas are privately operated, amenities, rental availability, and seasonal hours can change — always confirm current offerings directly before your visit.
1. East Port Marina & Resort
East Port Marina is located off Highway 52 near Jamestown, Tennessee, on the upper Tennessee arm of the lake. It offers cabin and chalet rentals, houseboat rentals, and boat slip rentals, along with a ship store stocked with fishing gear, fuel, and supplies. The on-site Obey River Grill provides dining without having to leave the marina. East Port is a full-service operation and one of the more convenient options for anglers coming from Jamestown. Verify current rental availability and rates directly with the marina, as seasonal demand can affect houseboat and cabin bookings.
2. Star Point Resort
Star Point Resort is located off Highway 111 near Byrdstown, Tennessee. It offers cabin and chalet accommodations, condo-style rentals, a ship store, and boat rentals. RV camping is available on-site as well, making it a flexible option for visitors who prefer to bring their own accommodations. The Highway 111 location makes access straightforward from the main corridor into Byrdstown. Star Point is a full-service marina with slip rentals available for boaters trailering in.
3. Sulphur Creek Resort
Sulphur Creek Resort is located on the northern end of the lake in Cumberland County, Kentucky — the northernmost marina on Dale Hollow — which gives it a somewhat different character than the Tennessee-side marinas, with access to the upper Kentucky arms of the lake. The resort offers lodge and cabin rentals, pontoon and houseboat rentals, and a ship store. Live entertainment and music are a regular feature at Sulphur Creek, which sets it apart from strictly utilitarian marina operations. Mike’s Landing Restaurant & Lounge is on-site. Call ahead to confirm current entertainment schedules and rental availability.
4. Sunset Marina & Resort
Sunset Marina is located off Highway 111 south of Byrdstown at 202 Sunset Dock Rd, Monroe, TN 38573. It offers one of the more direct access points to the lake from a major highway — a straightforward turn off HWY 111 puts you at the water with minimal road time. Sunset offers cabin and chalet rentals, a restaurant, lodging, and full boat rental services. It is a full-service marina with a ship store. Sunset is consistently recommended for trailered boats due to the quality of road access compared to some of the more remote launch sites on the lake.
5. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park & Marina
The state park marina is located on the Kentucky side of the lake and is the most activity-rich base on Dale Hollow. The park’s 3,400 acres include the Mary Ray Oaken Lodge — a 60-room lodge perched atop a bluff with lake views — as well as housekeeping cabins, a 144-site campground, an outdoor pool, and a beach. The marina opened in 2008 and has approximately 200 slips with modern amenities including a ship’s store and fuel dock. Recreational and fishing boat rentals are available. The park is open year-round, though the marina and some seasonal facilities have limited winter hours.
Activities at the state park include over 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, equestrian riding, and mountain biking (motorized use is not permitted). The Eagle Point Trail is the primary birding trail, with a viewpoint used for watching raptors and waterbirds; a spotting scope is useful. Bald eagles are commonly seen on the lake from mid-December through mid-February. The park has an 18-hole golf course with a pro shop and driving range, as well as an 18-hole nautical-themed miniature golf course. Basketball courts and picnic areas are available near the campground. Sporting equipment can be checked out at the lodge front desk by overnight guests.
The park is also the staging point for guided wild cave tours through Cindy Cave, offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Helmets, lights, and kneepads are provided. Winter tours for groups of three or more can be arranged by contacting the park directly. Verify current tour pricing and availability directly with the park before your visit, as rates are subject to change.
About the Lake and Its Fishery
Dale Hollow is best known for smallmouth bass but supports a diverse fishery. Species present include largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, muskellunge, walleye, rainbow trout, catfish, and gar. The smallmouth bass are managed under a slot limit — currently two fish per day, with a 16- to 21-inch protected length limit — which has protected the fishery’s quality since it was implemented in 2000. Anglers should verify current Tennessee and Kentucky regulations before fishing, since portions of the lake fall under each state’s jurisdiction. A reciprocal fishing agreement between the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife allows anglers licensed in either state to fish the reciprocal zone; areas outside the zone require the appropriate state license.
Eagle watching is excellent from December through February, when bald eagles are visible from multiple points around the lake. Mitchell Creek Marina hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks event called “Shake the Lake.” The lake’s average depth is 50 feet, with a maximum depth of 130 feet. Water levels can fluctuate 10 to 20 feet throughout the year, which matters when accessing low-water coves or shallow launch ramps — checking current pool elevation before a trip is worthwhile.
Getting There and Choosing a Marina
Dale Hollow’s geography means that the roads leading to some marinas are narrow, winding, and several miles from the nearest highway. Marinas on or near Highway 111 (Star Point, Sunset) and Highway 52 (East Port) offer the most straightforward trailer access. More remote launch sites such as Cove Creek provide simpler boat-only access but on narrow roads — generally fine for fishing trips where you’re not hauling a large trailer rig. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, navigating to the correct marina requires care, since the lake spans two states and the GPS routing for some marinas can take unexpected turns. Confirming directions with the marina before arrival is a good habit.
Dale Hollow is one of the premier lake destinations in the eastern United States. Anglers who enjoy combining multiple Tennessee lakes in one trip often pair it with Norris Lake, another clear-water Corps reservoir with excellent bass fishing. For those planning a broader Tennessee outdoor itinerary, our family road trip to Tennessee guide covers the region in depth. The nearby Smoky Mountains are a natural extension of any Dale Hollow trip — see our guide to Smoky Mountain vacation ideas for planning inspiration. And if houseboat rentals are your primary interest, our Dale Hollow houseboat rentals guide covers the best options in more detail.
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