Super User Dwight Hottle Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 I didn't put this in the fishing location area because it covers both SE & NE groups. Group of four guys going for a week in May. We are looking for lodging & one boat rental or guide service for two guys. Other two guys are bringing their own boat to use. Preliminary plan was to stay at King Creek Resort in Benton on Kentucky Lake. Has anyone fished both lakes and have a preference for one over the other? Looking for suggestions as none of us have any experience with either lake. We are traveling from Michigan, Georgia & Florida & picking a location somewhere in the middle for everyone. Any help is appreciated. 1 Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 Haven't been to KY lake in quite a few years. I fished it 4 or 5 times and was never disappointed. My PB of just under 7lbs was caught there in early April. If you do go, you have to stop at Marquita's Place for breakfast or dinner. A little hole in the wall diner that serves good food at a good price. 1 Quote
detroit1 Posted January 31, 2021 Posted January 31, 2021 Must stop at Knoth's bbq. near the Ky. dam if it's still around. That pulled pork was to die for in the 80's/90's. 1 Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 Kentucky Lake for both size and quantity. I will get back with you on a recommended guide service. 1 Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted January 31, 2021 Author Super User Posted January 31, 2021 1 hour ago, roadwarrior said: Kentucky Lake for both size and quantity. I will get back with you on a recommended guide service. Kent has the Asian carp invasion affected the fishing. I saw some negative comments regarding the current fishery. Quote
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted January 31, 2021 Global Moderator Posted January 31, 2021 They are vastly different lakes. Dale hollow is a deep, clear highland reservoir with a surprising amount of grass . KY lake is a monstrosity that is much shallower and faster. Then again, I’m betting you already knew this! I’ve heard ticking the tops of grass with paddle tail swim baits can be great on dale hollow 2 Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 1, 2021 Super User Posted February 1, 2021 I have only seen a handful of the carp and have not heard of any impact on the fishing. 1 Quote
Swinghead Posted February 1, 2021 Posted February 1, 2021 Kentucky is not in the top 20 top bass lakes now due to the carp and probably pressure it gets. It was once a top notch fishery. While you can still have good days, it’s a tough lake now. 8 hours ago, roadwarrior said: I have only seen a handful of the carp and have not heard of any impact on the fishing. You must wear a blindfold. They are everywhere. I’ve seen them in schools that seem to not end and some bays that they are bank to bank. Fishermen are netting them by the thousands of pounds but it’s a slow process to remove enough to make a dent. 2 Quote
Shimano_1 Posted February 1, 2021 Posted February 1, 2021 Used to fish ky lake a cple times a year and it was fantastic a few years ago. Haven't been in a few years due to the negative impact of the carp. Everyone around here (live in Central ky) says its not what it used to be by a long shot. All the trails I fish around here used to have their classics at ky lake and they've all moved them to chickamauga or Cumberland now. Not real familiar with Dale hollow. Id guess it would be a little worse fishing but more peaceful and pretty. Of course you have Cumberland as well and it's turned into a pretty hot smallmouth lake. I personally would probably try my luck at ky/Barkley but Dale would be a fun trip as well. 1 Quote
Steveo-1969 Posted February 2, 2021 Posted February 2, 2021 This summer will be my 10th annual trip to Kentucky Lake. We have always stayed at Shawnee Bay Resort in Benton, KY. Nice cabins, marina with boat rentals, SUPER FANTASTIC OWNERS!! We have visited in May, June, July and August. Late May and early June has been the best ledge fishing(as they move out to the ledges). I would say the fishing has gotten steadily tougher every year and the Asian carp population grows every year. Coincidence? I’ve never been to Dale Hollow so can’t compare, sorry. 1 Quote
BigAngus752 Posted February 2, 2021 Posted February 2, 2021 You have numerous votes for KY. I have been there but not fished so I can’t speak to that lake, however I have fished Dale Hollow. It is a totally different kind of lake as @TnRiver46said and when I went it was my first time with that style of fishing. It is absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. You’d be hard-pressed to find that kind of peace on KY. Maybe on Barkley. I felt the fishing was good and, being normally surrounded by water with inches of visibility, I loved the clear water and watching those crazy spots hit my lures like a Tasmanian Devil. The SM were tough but it was my first time fishing for them. You won’t go wrong if you pick Dale Hollow and go with the right attitude. Good luck on your trip. 2 Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted February 10, 2021 Author Super User Posted February 10, 2021 Looks like we are going to Dale Hollow. Thanks for all the info. I have heard the smallies suspend post spawn feeding on schools of alewives. Anybody else dialed into that bite? 2 Quote
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted February 11, 2021 Global Moderator Posted February 11, 2021 On 2/10/2021 at 9:02 AM, Dwight Hottle said: Looks like we are going to Dale Hollow. Thanks for all the info. I have heard the smallies suspend post spawn feeding on schools of alewives. Anybody else dialed into that bite? Not on dale hollow but I certainly have on Norris (similar lake, clear deep and steep) Sometimes the fun part is over by 9 am but man it’s fun. I actually catch the suspended bass with top water mostly, they will come up from 20+ to smash it 1 Quote
TBAG Posted February 19, 2021 Posted February 19, 2021 I've fished both but it's been several years. If it were me I'd choose Dale Hollow just because of the Asian Carp problem on KY/Barkley. 1 Quote
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