I would go in April-May. Look for water temps in high 50’s for them to move up on the flats….but I have seen it when they never moved up due to high an cold water. In 2016 and 2017 I was catching 50-60 Smallies a day when I would go. My best 5 days straight I boated 350 Smallies…..many in the 19-21 inch range. I do it a little different than most. All on UL gear…2# test line and a Trout Magnet. But I was up there for other fish…..the smallmouth just got in the way. For me though the best days are when I get into the big bluegill and shell cracker. I have fished Dale Hollow in every month of the year…..never been skunked there. If you can take the weather go in Jan-Feb and do the Float’N Fly. That will produce 50 fish days also…..and unlike others I did not use the so called fly. My rod….braided line setup was the same but the lure was…you guessed it, a Trout Magnet.
Regards
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