Does this sound like a good plan???

[bobbyg]

I am aware that this is going to sound very novice to many on this forum. I am a guy who is trying to make the most of a trip with my dad and while I am perfectly fine with spending 3 days on a boat with him just talking and making memories I am trying to calculate a way to include some actual catching into the fishing part of the trip.

 

So after doing some research into a trip I am taking to Dale Hollow Lake, TN in early April I have decided to approach the fishing this way. I have looked on lake maps and have found 5 areas near the original river channel that are shallow flats about 10-15 deep. Dale Hollow is typically very clear water, the areas I am finding on maps show some vegetation on the bottoms, but not real thick. I am thinking these will be good places to start. My plan is to work the edges of those flats with football jigs with rage claw type softbaits attached, and lipless crankbaits to work the edges where it drops from 10-15 feet to more like 30 in the course of a few feet.

 

I am very new to trying to plan an attack when it comes to fishing. I am not sure yet what the water temps and weather are going to be. And I know that those two things will make a huge difference.

 

Anybody with any "tips" or "pointers" of things to look out for, maybe approaches that I am not thinking of, really any info is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

[Fish the Mitt]

Feel free to go HERE and include a screenshot of this portion you're talking about. It might help those from the area pinpoint a location and area better. Or help with others, not from the area, with advice based on the topography and layout of the chosen section.

 

Water temp would help as well, and I'm sure googling it would turn up an answer.

[Ratherbfishing]

I may be wrong but this seems a little more like a winter or summer strategy than an early spring strategy.  In April in Tennessee, the bass might (?) be staging for beginning the spawn-depending upon water temps.  I am not a pro but if I were going there then, I'd work points which are close to spawning areas and flats with jigs, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits-starting shallow and going deeper (as necessary)).  

[Choporoz]

Send a note to fishnkamp if he doesn't see this and post or pm.  He's a fan of that lake.  As to more general info about that type of lake/situation/season, perhaps there's archived fishing reports on the interwebs?  You've read smalljaw.com?

[bobbyg]

8 minutes ago, SemperBass said:

Feel free to go HERE and include a screenshot of this portion you're talking about. It might help those from the area pinpoint a location and area better. Or help with others, not from the area, with advice based on the topography and layout of the chosen section.

 

Water temp would help as well, and I'm sure googling it would turn up an answer.

The areas I am looking at right now are the three arrows. This area is just south of Dale Hollow Lake State Park Marina. We are staying at Wisdom Dock. After googling it shows average water temps to be in the low to mid 50's.

 

Thanks!!

[Fish the Mitt]

After a little investigation, water temps on Dale Hollow for April ranged from 50-60 degrees.

So if you find yourself in a 48-55 degree range, I would focus on transition areas between deeper water and the shallower flats used for spawning. Targeting migration routes can be a pivotal part of your success if done properly. They're feeding heavy so understanding where the deep water is, understanding where the spawning flats can be, and understanding the migratory way to get from one to the other; while replicating it's prey, you should be all set.

 

If you find yourself in 55-60+ degree water, I would be in one of two spots. The same areas as mentioned above to target late-spawners going in and early post-spawners coming out, or I would be up shallow targeting bedding bass.

Targeting these transition areas, or holding areas (points being mentioned above [offering shallow water close to deep water]), you have a good area to target bass still in prespawn holding to that area or feeding, as well early post spawners heading back out from the flats. 

As far as lures, for me in this time, I am generally throwing a jerkbait, crankbait, lipless crank, or jig & craw. A lot of people throw finesse as well (and swimbaits). 

 

Just my .02. I of course have never fished this water, or fished this region during the time you mentioned. So everything I listed is how I approach my home lakes (MI)when the water temp is between 48-60 degrees (a good month later).

 

Hoping a good ol' Tennessee boy can come point you in the right direction.

[TnRiver46]

Don’t expect to catch many fish but the one might catch could be quite large. That lake is extra tough fishing from everything I have ever heard. Never fished it personally but I would like to. Hard to catch Smallmouth in clear water are the only fish I seem to have success with 

[WRB]

Dale Hollow is better known as a smallmouth bass lake and should be in pre spawn transitioning to spawn in April. The map shot looks like a good areas with a creek arms having humps at the mouth and good looking secondary points near coves. Lots of good structure within a smaller area, good choice.

Kent, Road Warrior, would also be a good resource to contact.

Tom

[TnRiver46]

I would also try this spot, where the black lines are stacked on top of each other. Smallmouth seem to use bluffs year round. Toss a tube or shaky (or hair jig) up against it and let it fall while watching the line. 

[Bankbeater]

The first thing I always do when I plan a trip is to see if I can find some kind of long range forcast.  I tweak my plans as the trip gets closer. 

[bobbyg]

Thank you to everyone who chimed in with some advice! I really do appreciate it!!  

 

[Senko Junkie]

BobbyG, I will be down there the week before you (March29-April 1st). We stay at the Dale Hollow State Resort Park. The places that you pin pointed on your map is one of our favorite spots . This will be our 4th trip down there at this time of year. We fish long grassy flats in 20 ft of water with swimbaits and crankbaits and have success. (We hired a guide the first trip that gave us a few pointers....lol)  Good Luck to you and your dad

 

[bobbyg]

We are staying right around the corner at Wisdom Marina at their floating hotel. I can't wait to get down there, relax and just sit on a boat for hours. My dad and I are super excited! Hope you guys have a blast and catch a bunch, just leave a couple for us!!

[Senko Junkie]

11 hours ago, bobbyg said:

We are staying right around the corner at Wisdom Marina at their floating hotel. I can't wait to get down there, relax and just sit on a boat for hours. My dad and I are super excited! Hope you guys have a blast and catch a bunch, just leave a couple for us!!

Always catch and release but I hope to wear a few of them down for you!!!!!!    lol

 

[bobbyg]

SENKO JUNKIE. . . .Good Luck this weekend!!!

[Sam]

Have some fun and use live bait.

 

Will catch more fish a lot faster than regular bass baits.

 

Have a good time and be safe.  

[bobbyg]

On ‎3‎/‎21‎/‎2018 at 9:43 AM, Senko Junkie said:

Always catch and release but I hope to wear a few of them down for you!!!!!!    lol

 

So how was Dale Hollow? Any luck? I notice that this weekend they are calling for snow for us on Saturday. . . So I am not really sure what to do about that. Wear more clothes, for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TnRiver46]

I have seen a couple good reports from dale hollow lately

[bobbyg]

19 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I have seen a couple good reports from dale hollow lately

That's what I like to hear!!

[Cody_Reagan]

On 2/13/2018 at 1:56 PM, bobbyg said:

football

Our source for Dale Hollow, Bobby Gentry, told us, "We have had some wild weather changes this year. The bite has been good if you follow the shad. Swim baits have been good and crank baits also so you can cover lots of water. I have had some nice fish on Ned rigs and jigs. Jerk baits on windy points can also work for you. Use shad pattern and natural colors for best results. Green pumpkin and brown and orange are some of my colors I like this time of the year. Call me anytime 279-427-0419 or look on facebook, Bobby Gentry, Dale Hollow Lake Fishing or look for my website, www.bobbygentry.com. Thank You."

 

 

This was posted 5 days ago on a website I use for fishing reports. Hope this reaches you before you leave. Good luck and have fun!