Upcoming Dale Hollow trip

[MikeA57]

I posted this in the NE forum first because we'll be leaving from there but after 4 days and 30+ views I got no replies. I  thought I'd post it here and see if anyone cares to offer some suggestions.

 

Hey guys, been awhile since I've been out on this forum since I just don't have as much time to fish as I'd like. Anyway, my family and I will be traveling to the Sulpher Creek area of Dale Hollow the 2nd week in June and we're renting a houseboat for the week. I plan on trying to do as much fishing as possible so I've got some questions about that but I've also got some questions about the houseboat as well.

First, our plan is to take the houseboat out from the Sulpher Creek Marina and park it somewhere and make it our base of operations, but I'm wondering where might be some good places to park that thing. Specifically, what places should I avoid? We'll just be there throughout the week so I'm not TOO worried about setting up in the middle of Party Cove, but you never know, especially since I haven't been there in  50 years.

On the fishing side of things, what about licenses? Do I buy a KY or TN license and does it allow me to fish in the other state, or do I have to purchase both if I wish to venture over into foreign waters?

What are some tips for fishing up there during the 2nd week of June? Deep, shallow, creeks, main lake, humps, points, grass, submerged bridges, buildings, roadbeds, etc.? I'll mostly be fishing for bass (LM & SM) but I'll also have a passel of kids with me too, so I'd like to be able to put them on some bream, redear, shellcracker, etc...

Thanks guys!

Mike

[fishnkamp]

Mike sorry I did not see this sooner and I hope I am not responding too late.  I just spent 10 days there back in April/ May. Personally I would concentrate on main lake stuff for big smallies and largies.  Consider making either Goat Island or Little Goat Island your home base.  Now for fishing will you be fishing from another boat?  We found fish all around there on main lake grass beds in say 5 to 20 feet.  There are special areas around Irons Creek, Holley Creek, Willow Creek, Geiger Island etc.  If you do not have any make sure you get some Reaction Innovation  Skinny Dippers in "white trash" with a quarter once lead head jig like a vmc or Picaso swimbait jig ( the hook has a fish head style weight) also make sure you pick up neg rig baits and jig heads. we did real well with the ZMAN TRD 1/10 oz heads and green pumpkin TRD bodies.  Lastly we caught some nice ones with a dirty jigs 3/8 oz swim jig in Alabama bream, but any bluegill/ sunfish color should work. I used both a green watermelon and brim colored craw trailer.  I averaged 5 pound smallies and largies during my whole trip.  I love that lake.  As for license get both KY and TN because the lake is divided in a weird way.  That is what I do.  The Kentucky license is available at most of the marinas.  We always get our tn license at Outdoor Junction which is a great hunting fishing tackle supplier near Cookeville Tn.  It is located right off the Route 40 exit.  If you want to give me a call I could go over spots specifically as well as places to stop at on the lake.  By the way I think fuel is most reasonable there at Willow Grove Marina and we ate there several times for lunch. Their store has "everything including the kitchen sink".  If I can help more give me an e-mail at fishnkamp@comcast.net and I will send you my phone number.  Also if you want a great guide trip call Bobby Gentry ( look up his website for contact info).  We have used him multiple time and done well with him.  Contact him through his website but you will notice it is not up to date, he is out on the lake not home on the computer.