Dale Hollow

[Jdkxtreme]

Thinking of taking a day and heading up there. Having never been there can anyone share some pointers?

Not looking for secret spots. Just a general place to launch and what to use for bait. Would like to catch a few small mouth

[Fish Whisperer]

Theres a public ramp next to Cedar Hill Resort in Celina that is decent and has a courtesy dock.. As far as bait goes, I've always used shiners or trolled spoons...

[Travis C.]

Horse Creek is (I believe) the only ramp that still doesn't charge a fee. Someone else may know about others but I know this one doesn't.

As far as smallies there...dunno I have always been trying to catch the trout. :D

Can't beat small hair jigs, 3"-5" twister tails, 3"-5" big hammers, jerkbaits and probably won't be long for a topwater bite. Ofcourse free lining live minnows will catchem too.

[Fish Whisperer]

Pleasant Grove is free and in a pretty good area of the lake for some fatties...

[browntrout]

The smallmouth should soon start making their way to the spawning flats and banks. I think it is still at least a week or more before they will be there. I would hit the secondary points that are close to spawning areas. Throwing bandits or other crankbaits. Also as someone mentioned minnows in these same areas will produce also. Watch the water temp and as it gets 55 to 60 I would start fishing the flats. I like the area around Dale Hollow Dock and Holly Creek. Hope this helps.

Roy

[Jdkxtreme]

Thank you all. I may wait a week then. It's a bit of a drive from portland

[Buccaneer]

JD - Go to Smalljaw.com and join the forums. They are close to breaking loose in the pre-spawn jerk bait pattern on 45 degree banks and transition areas (rock to clay, grass). From this coming weekend into late May it's worth every weekend drive over from Portland to fish Dale Hollow.