Dale Hollow

[fishfindergeneral]

The daytime smallie action.... http://www.trolldhl.com

Nice looking fish, looks like the rod behind you in the second picture has something on it too! Hehe

[baxterboy]

Nice fish Dave!

I still need to get back up there to catch my TARP smallie. The one I caught with you in May was only 19.



James

[bd-]

Good to see you are doing well as always, FFG. You seem to have the trolling with downriggers technique nailed like nobody else.

I still have to figure out how to catch those big Dale Hollow Lake rainbows on a flyrod!!! I know they are WAY too deep this time of year, even with a sinking line. But they've got to show up somewhere shallow in the winter, and there's got to be a way to reach them. I've heard of smallmouth fishermen catching trout in the winter on Dale with float 'n fly rigs and occasionally with in-line spinners, so those fish ought to be vulnerable to a fly too.

It would be awesome to finally put together how to target those big trout on the lake when all the tailwaters are in heavy generation and their winter slump. Every time I've gone up there though, I've struck out.

There's got to be someone up there who could help with the learning curve, but I haven't found them yet.

bd

[Travis C.]

Maybe find them in the creeks during winter months sipping on the surface and throw big chronomids off of a 90 degree indicator with really long leader. It would be a pain casting but with a painfully slow retrieve might work.

Worst case you catch some of the big panfish up there.

[bd-]

Oh believe me, Travis, I've looked for trout sipping the surface. I've looked and looked for that. If I ever found them sipping, I could clobber them. I've never spotted trout sipping the surface on Dale Hollow though.

So far, I've mostly fished like you said - indicator, long leader (8 or 9 feet), and nymphs, chironomids, or flies like a clouser foxee dace that are similar to what the float 'n fly fishermen use. I also spent one day with streamers on a sinking line looking for deep water bait, which mostly meant following loons around.

So far, all I've gotten is cold.

Part of the problem is that Dale is about an hour and 45 minutes away from my house, so I only go up there a limited amount. And the more I go up there and get skunked, the less I want to go back.

What I'd like to find is someone who knows how to catch the trout in the winter on spinning gear (not trolling), so at least I know I'm fishing where the fish are. After that I can do R&D on the technique until I've got them dialed in.

bd

[Travis C.]

I like fishing the Obey after October 31st (campground closes). Maybe, one trip I will take my big boat and look around lakeside more. That drive does suck and I am with you on it better show some pay dirt or it will get less traveled.

I believe that first creek on the right (facing upstream) is Horse Creek. Pretty sure one place they stock from is at the marina when they stock the rainbows. You'd think once that happens some fish whether browns or what not would be around.

Would be really cool if those fish ran up feeder creeks sort of like steelhead to spawn.

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by Travis C.

Maybe find them in the creeks during winter months sipping on the surface and throw big chronomids off of a 90 degree indicator with really long leader. It would be a pain casting but with a painfully slow retrieve might work.

Worst case you catch some of the big panfish up there.

There you have it in a nutshell.

Regards

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by Travis C.

I like fishing the Obey after October 31st (campground closes). Maybe, one trip I will take my big boat and look around lakeside more. That drive does suck and I am with you on it better show some pay dirt or it will get less traveled.

I believe that first creek on the right (facing upstream) is Horse Creek. Pretty sure one place they stock from is at the marina when they stock the rainbows. You'd think once that happens some fish whether browns or what not would be around.

Would be really cool if those fish ran up feeder creeks sort of like steelhead to spawn.

Take some spinning gear and head to Horse Creek in the dead of winter. The trout are there and good ones at that. I am a spinning guy and while I don't like the drive either I put 40,000 miles a year on my vehicle fishing. Just got into a house instead of an apt so the upcoming purchase of kayak is imminent. Am too old and too fat to walk it anymore. Now as to whether or not I will buy a dry suit is up for discussion...but having flipped in the winter it is no fun...and if you are alone possibly life ending. But it would be tempting to take a kayak up Horse Creek for the trout in the winter.

Regards

[Travis C.]

Cools thanks for the info.

I figured since so many trout are caught throughout the year and especially in summer near the Dam there had to be somewhere close by they went to in winter.

If this helps bd locate some I know he can catch them.

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by Travis C.

Cools thanks for the info.

I figured since so many trout are caught throughout the year and especially in summer near the Dam there had to be somewhere close by they went to in winter.

If this helps bd locate some I know he can catch them.

While I have a nephew that was a full time Small Mouth guide at Dale Hollow..and only fishes for Small Mouth...Crappie and Walleye...I have another nephew who only fishes for Trout and Small Mouth...LOL. But both know the lake very well and have put me on some good fish there throughout the years. I think if you go to Horse Creek and throw cranks you will be pleasantly surprised at the size Trout you will catch.


Regards

[fishfindergeneral]

You hit the nail right on the head about Horse Creek but only after big rains for big trout. I have told bd about this in the past. Alphahalk, who is your nephew? if you don't mind, maybe I know him.... Here some fish from the weekend.....

[fishfindergeneral]

@James, get up a couple friends and give me a call. Right now the big smallies are nailing crank baits... @Rivershoes, that rod is set on a rigger.... @bd , thanks buddy

[Travis C.]

Nice fish Dave. Hope you guys are doing well.

You must have had a pretty busy year so far. I haven't noticed you post as much.

Still planning on the trip for dad. I haven't changed plans it has been harder to get together this year than initially thought.

[fishfindergeneral]

Travis, it has been a great year, thanks for asking. Give me a yell when you get your ducks in a row... check out my summer report on Mike's board or over on fishin.com Tenn. forum...