When the Lake Was Bigger

from Dale Hollow Lake Explorer - Visitors Guide 2020

Make 2020 the year for Safer Boating

when the lake was

By Darren Shell

We all know that our wonderful lake has been the same size since its humble beginnings back in 1942/43. But I think if we all think back a little, we’ll agree that in many ways, this lake is smaller than it used to be. Let’s look at some of our early days.

I’ve not boated on this lake as long as many of the lake-lovers of the Dale, but I’ve spent 38 seasons here, and I’ve seen how things have changed over the years. Even before my time here, so much has come and gone. Why, when D. L. Hayes caught his world record smallmouth bass here in 1955, it took him nearly an hour just to get to his fishing hole up in the mouth of Wolf River from his boat slip at Cedar Hill.

The horsepower in his then-huge boat just doesn’t carry water to the new 250 horsepower bass boats that race from one end of the lake to the other in minutes. It sure seemed like a big lake then. In fact, most boats were tiny wooden runabouts, sometimes even without engines. Most marinas were fishing camps—not lavish resorts with all the wonderful amenities. Believe me, those old wooden row boats were no speed machine! John Gorman and Dock Owner, Lloyd Harrison 1969

Mr. John Gorman and his wife, Bea, could just barely ski their kids with their little 75 horsepower Mercury. Their short trip up the river to catch their number two world record smallmouth in 1969 was still a long way in that little boat. I suppose it was worth the long drive way up river. I bet they’d be amazed with how far out the docks now spread into the river—now that the lake has shrunk around it.

bigger

Wisdom Dock, 1950’s Horse Creek 1950’s Holly Creek 1950’s D. L. Hayes and his record Smalley 1955

Dick Roberts of Cedar Hill Fishing Camp, 1950’s (note the old wooden rental boats)

These days, that old fish of David’s would have been on the legal scales in just minutes. It’s just a smaller lake, that’s all.

I traveled the whole lake this year, dock by dock, cove by marina cove, and you know what … it’s been contagious. I can tell. The lake is shrinking—no doubt! East Port barely fits on the point any more! Star Point—the bluffs are closing in! Sulfur Creek Hollow just isn’t as long as I remember as a kid. Dale Hollow Dock barely fits! And State Dock!!!!! Ya need a shoe-horn to squeeze in there! What are we gonna do?

You know I’m joking. I love the new amenities of this lake like everyone else. I love the food at that wonderful restaurant at Sunset. I like the new fuel dock at Mitchell Creek. I like my boat nestled comfortably in a clean new boat slip, even if those slips stretch way out into the lake. It’s just progress, that’s all. But, I’m still the Gravedigger. I still love Willow Grove 1948

the old stuff too. I still buy antiquated fishing lures up at Gunnel’s Camp. I still love the catfish, beans, and onions at Cedar Hill almost as much as Mom’s! I still buy ice cream over at Hendricks Creek. I even still visit Jay up at Sulphur Creek—he’s always there— kinda like the rest of us old dock hands. I think the lake is shrinking around us too!

So, my advice about this whole lake-shrinking thing…

I’d get out there and love the lake like you’ve always done. Take pictures (send me some!). Enjoy what this wonderful place has to offer. ‘Cause you know what? It ain’t gettin’ no bigger, but it isn’t really getting any smaller. It just has more to offer.

And that’s the long and the short of it. ~ DS

TENNESSEE

Lisa Beard

State Farm Agent

Offi ce: 606-387-6099 Toll Free: 1-888-606-6099 Website: www.lisabeard.com Email: lisa@lisabeard.com

Licensed in KY and TN

TOWN OF BYRDSTOWN

Home of Dale Hollow Lake

109 West Main Street • P.O. Box 325 Byrdstown, TN 38549 Phone: (931) 864-6215 • Fax (931) 864-6120 www.townofbyrdstown.com

KELLY LATHAM

MOBILE: 606.278.3207

1643 Livingston Hwy., Byrdstown, TN 38549 Offi ce: 931.864.3380 Fax: 931.864.3388 SERVING TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY

Email: kellylathamrealestate@yahoo.com Website: www.kellylathamrealestate.com

1005 Livingston Hwy./Hwy. 111 Byrdstown, TN (931) 864-7195 www.dalehollow.com

TENNESSEE

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OPEN: Sun. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Keeping you cool when you're not in the water!

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Experience Bass Fishing on Dale Hollow Lake, with Professional Guide, JB King. JB has fi shed Dale Hollow his entire life, with over 18 years experience in the Guide Business.