Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
🎣 Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World — A Kentucky State Resort Park on the legendary Dale Hollow Lake where the world-record smallmouth bass was caught (1955), featuring a 60-room limestone lodge, full-service marina, 18-hole golf course, 140+ campsites, 12 miles of trails, and the Island View Restaurant with panoramic lake views
On the upper reaches of Dale Hollow Lake — a 28,000-acre reservoir straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau — sits one of Kentucky’s premier resort parks, built around a body of water that holds a record that has stood for over 70 years. In 1955, angler David Hayes pulled an 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass from these deep, clear waters — a world record that has never been broken. That catch cemented Dale Hollow Lake’s reputation as the “Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World”, and the lake remains one of the finest bass fishing destinations in North America.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park sits on the Kentucky shore, offering a complete resort experience: a 60-room limestone and timber lodge with private balconies overlooking the lake, a full-service marina with boat rentals and slips, an 18-hole golf course winding through the Cumberland foothills, 140+ campsites with swimming pool, and the Island View Restaurant serving Kentucky cuisine with panoramic water views. This is not roughing it — this is a full-service destination where trophy fishing and luxury lodging coexist.
Fishing — World-Record Waters
| Species | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass | WORLD RECORD lake | 11lb 15oz caught 1955 — record stands |
| Largemouth Bass | Excellent | Structure fishing along bluffs and points |
| Walleye | Very Good | Deep water trolling, spring spawning runs |
| Crappie | Excellent | Spring and fall — brush piles and creek channels |
| Musky | Trophy potential | Stocked — growing fishery |
| Trout | Good | Cold tailwaters below the dam |
The Lodge — Mary Ray Oaken
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 60 rooms — limestone and timber construction |
| Views | Private balconies overlooking Dale Hollow Lake |
| Pet-Friendly | Select rooms available |
| Dining | Island View Restaurant on-site |
| Pool | Lodge swimming pool |
Recreation
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Golf | 18-hole course through Cumberland foothills |
| Trails | 12+ miles — hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking |
| Marina | Full-service — boat slips, rentals, fuel dock, ship’s store |
| Swimming | Two pools (lodge + campground) |
| Mini-Golf | Available seasonally |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 140+ (water/electric), primitive, and horse-friendly |
| Season | Mid-March – mid-November |
| Amenities | Showers, laundry, pool, camp store |
| Reservations | parks.ky.gov or 888-459-7275 |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Phone | (270) 433-7431 |
| Marina | (270) 433-6600 |
Wildlife & Nature
Dale Hollow Lake SRP — on Dale Hollow Lake — home of the world-record smallmouth bass (11 lbs 15 oz, caught 1955 — unbroken for over 70 years). The lake’s crystal-clear water (visibility to 20+ feet) makes it one of the cleanest lakes in the South. Bald eagles, osprey, and wild turkeys inhabit the park.
Nearby Attractions
Burkesville — adjacent. Dale Hollow Lake — surrounding. Cumberland County — surrounding.
Is the world record smallmouth bass still from Dale Hollow Lake?
Yes! The all-tackle world record for smallmouth bass — 11 pounds, 15 ounces — was caught in Dale Hollow Lake by David Hayes on July 9, 1955. The record has stood for over 70 years and has never been broken. Dale Hollow’s deep, clear water and abundant forage fish create ideal conditions for trophy-class smallmouth bass.
Insider Tips
World record smallmouth: Dale Hollow Lake produced the current world record smallmouth bass (11 lb 15 oz, caught in 1955). Pro tip: The crystal-clear water (up to 20-foot visibility) makes this one of the most scenic lakes in the South. Houseboating: Dale Hollow is a premier houseboating destination.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Houseboating, swimming, and fishing. Spring: Smallmouth bass fishing at its best. Fall: Spectacular lakeside foliage. Winter: Trout fishing in the tailwaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the world record smallmouth bass?
The all-tackle world record smallmouth bass — 11 pounds 15 ounces — was caught in Dale Hollow Lake in 1955 by David Hayes. The record has stood for nearly 70 years, making it one of the most enduring records in freshwater fishing. The lake’s clear, deep water continues to produce trophy smallmouth.
Park Location
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