The questions travelers actually Google before they arrive — and the answers you'd get from a friend who lives on Dale Hollow Lake.
Getting there & around
Logistics
How big is Dale Hollow Lake?
27,700 surface acres with 620 miles of shoreline, straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border. It was created in 1943 when the Obey River was dammed near Celina, primarily for flood control.
What's the closest airport to Dale Hollow Lake?
Nashville International (BNA) is the nearest with regular commercial service, about an hour and a half southwest. Most visitors fly into Nashville and drive.
Groceries, gas, urgent care
Essentials
Where's the closest grocery store to Dale Hollow Lake?
Save A Lot, on Burkesville Highway in Celina, the Clay County seat — the closest general provisioning stop for the lake's Tennessee-side marinas.
Where's the closest emergency room to Dale Hollow Lake?
Livingston Regional Hospital's emergency room, on Oak Street in Livingston, roughly thirty minutes from the lake's Tennessee-side marinas — the regional hospital, open 24 hours.
Where to eat
Food & drink
What's the best marina restaurant at Dale Hollow Lake?
Steel Coop at Sunset Marina, known for surf-and-turf and catfish dinners with sunset views. Mitchell Creek Marina Restaurant, famous locally for its Jumbo Burger and homemade pies, is the other established option.
What's worth doing
Things to do
What is Dale Hollow Dam?
A flood-control dam completed in 1943 on the Obey River near Celina, with hydropower and recreation as secondary priorities — the dam that created the lake's 27,700 acres and 620 miles of shoreline.
On the water & on the trail
Outdoors
Where can I rent a boat at Dale Hollow Lake?
Fourteen marinas ring the lake. Sunset Marina, Mitchell Creek Marina, and Holly Creek Resort are three of the largest, each renting pontoons, fishing boats, and houseboats — East Port Marina specializes in houseboats specifically.
Is Dale Hollow Lake good for fishing?
Yes — known as the Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World. The world-record smallmouth, 11 pounds 15 ounces, was caught here in 1955 by D.L. Hayes and still stands; six of the ten biggest smallmouth bass ever recorded came from this lake.
Seasons & weather
When to come
When's the best time to visit Dale Hollow Lake?
Late spring through Labor Day for full houseboat and marina rental availability. Serious anglers also fish it in cooler shoulder-season months, when the smallmouth bite is strongest.