10/08/2025
A few friends and I loaded into the Excel 230 Elite on Dale Hollow Lake, intent on having a great time catching walleyes. We utilized Off Shore Tackle OR12 planer boards and Tadpole diving weights to target fish hugging the bottom in 25-35 feet of water. I frequently fish drop-offs on Ky Lake, but none compare to those on Dale Hollow, where the depth drops from 25 feet to over 100 feet. Bandit walleye deep divers and Reef Runners were instrumental in catching 21 keepers on Sunday and Monday nights. Our catch included a couple of 5-pound largemouth bass, a couple of 4-pound smallmouths, and several catfish up to 10 pounds. However, only walleyes were placed in the livewell. We received guidance from friends on potential areas to try, but they expressed skepticism about the walleyes' reaction to crankbaits. Trolling cranks 30 or more feet deep is unconventional in this region. We employed Livescope and Humminbird side image to locate fish willing to bite. As trolling is my preferred method, we adhered to our familiar tactics. My companions had previously learned these techniques on my boat. Notably, we didn't catch a single walleye under the 16-inch minimum, and three or more measured 25-26 inches. Our third day was cut short due to rain, which began shortly after we made the 10-mile run back to our resort in pitch black conditions. I was grateful for the tracks on my Humminbird Solix units and my knowledge of how to use them at speeds of 20-25mph. For those unfamiliar with Dale Hollow, the lake features miles of narrow curves, rock bluffs, points, and submerged mountain tops, now visible due to the lake level being 11 feet below summer pool. The lack of lighting along the banks, except at marinas, made navigation extremely challenging, especially on a cloudy night like Monday. We successfully completed both runs without incident, albeit with a heightened sense of caution. I am fortunate to have great friends who contribute to the success of my trips and a wife of 50 years who considers my out-of-town excursions a vacation for herself while she stays home to work. We are already planning our next trip to Dale Hollow.
