Thread: Dale Hollow Info

Last year a poster posted a message about late winter/early spring Smallmouth fishing at Dale Hollow in the area of Kemper Flats. I would like to plan a trip there and was wondering if that poster can tell me what is the best time of year.
Thanks

Originally Posted by bwilso

Last year a poster posted a message about late winter/early spring Smallmouth fishing at Dale Hollow in the area of Kemper Flats. I would like to plan a trip there and was wondering if that poster can tell me what is the best time of year.
Thanks

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




Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Thanks Randy!
i'm getting my planning calendar out now!

Thanks!!!!
i need to learn the "Float and Fly" looks like bobber fishing but I'm sure it is more intricate. If you were after the big Crackers you must have been in fairly shallow water. My quick recon of Kemper Flats showed much deeper water than I would assume to have Bluegill and Shellcrakers. Can't wait to give it a try this early Spring! Got to get there before the pleasure boat crowd. Maybe first nice weather of the new year!

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

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




Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Originally Posted by bwilso

Thanks!!!!
i need to learn the "Float and Fly" looks like bobber fishing but I'm sure it is more intricate. If you were after the big Crackers you must have been in fairly shallow water. My quick recon of Kemper Flats showed much deeper water than I would assume to have Bluegill and Shellcrakers. Can't wait to give it a try this early Spring! Got to get there before the pleasure boat crowd. Maybe first nice weather of the new year!

It is to me not any different than float and bait. It allows to keep a jig in their face

Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

It is to me not any different than float and bait. It allows to keep a jig in their face

Much different than float and bait. You want to use a weighted float matched to the weight of your jig…fly….so if the Smallies take it and move up…and they very often do….the float will fall to its side. On a Float N Fly set up you will be using braid as main line or you’re not going to catch many fish. A nine foot rod is the minimum I would fish….sometimes a 10-11 footer if you can find one. A swivel is involved also where the 2 lines meet. You want your float in one of the holes on the swivel….not on the line. Folks who do this on a regular basis will have this setup fine tuned. Most use maybe a 15 foot section of FC leader. Punisher Jigs has some great FNF gear. They sell…or did sell if they are still in business… a great kit for FNF.

Regards


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

I have so many rods now I probably won't buy another to do the "Float and Fly". Would a slip float work just as well? It would not have the perfection of a weighted float but it would allow greater depths. BTW how deep do you usually fish the flats?

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Much different than float and bait. You want to use a weighted float matched to the weight of your jig…fly….so if the Smallies take it and move up…and they very often do….the float will fall to its side. On a Float N Fly set up you will be using braid as main line or you’re not going to catch many fish. A nine foot rod is the minimum I would fish….sometimes a 10-11 footer if you can find one. A swivel is involved also where the 2 lines meet. You want your float in one of the holes on the swivel….not on the line. Folks who do this on a regular basis will have this setup fine tuned. Most use maybe a 15 foot section of FC leader. Punisher Jigs has some great FNF gear. They sell…or did sell if they are still in business… a great kit for FNF.

Regards


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

Originally Posted by bwilso

I have so many rods now I probably won't buy another to do the "Float and Fly". Would a slip float work just as well? It would not have the perfection of a weighted float but it would allow greater depths. BTW how deep do you usually fish the flats?

You won’t catch near as many fish using a slip float. I’m twitching it along the bottom on the flats. Virtually no one fishes that place like I do….except maybe my nephew. We use UL rods…2# test line with 1/2 gram and 1 gram jig heads using a Trout Magnet. You tell folks that and they give you the look like they think you are crazy or are lying. It’s extremely productive. I would love to fish it every spring but as each year goes by the driving is getting harder to do for me. I have not been to Nickajack in weeks as I can fish for trout at Normandy and don’t have to make a long drive.

Regards


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Thanks!

I will follow your lead and fish the flats you way you suggest. It is a long drive to Dale Hollow from where we live but I treat myself to some Barbeque at the joint in Celina. Also a treat just to fish so the trip is worth it! I go to Nickajack almost weekly but I fish below the dam. I got addicted to Smallmouths one day down there and I haven't been the same since. Also there is no telling what you may catch below the dam as you very well know!

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

You won’t catch near as many fish using a slip float. I’m twitching it along the bottom on the flats. Virtually no one fishes that place like I do….except maybe my nephew. We use UL rods…2# test line with 1/2 gram and 1 gram jig heads using a Trout Magnet. You tell folks that and they give you the look like they think you are crazy or are lying. It’s extremely productive. I would love to fish it every spring but as each year goes by the driving is getting harder to do for me. I have not been to Nickajack in weeks as I can fish for trout at Normandy and don’t have to make a long drive.

Regards


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Make me wanna move back Randy.