Dale Hollow Lake affected by regulation change

DALE HOLLOW-Kentucky has let its reciprocal fishing agreement with Tennessee expire here on Dale Hollow Lake, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources agency.

“Kentucky is working on a new agreement, but in the meantime unfortunately the reciprocal fishing agreements with Kentucky have expired,” the TWRA posted on their Facebook page last week.  “If you’re fishing in waters along the Kentucky border, you must have the appropriate license for each state you fish in.

“Kentucky is working to finalize a new agreement as soon as possible.”

Prior to the expiration, anglers with Tennessee or Kentucky licenses could legally fish Dale Hollow Lake’s reciprocal zone, which included all of the Wolf River area, including Illwill Creek beginning at a line crossing the Wolf River at its mouth where it joins the Obey River.

Before Kentucky let the reciprocal agreement expire, the only waters specifically requiring a Kentucky fishing license were the northern portions of Natty Branch, Hendricks Creek, Pusley Creek, and Sulphur Creek lying in Kentucky.

Now anglers will either be forced to buy both licenses or pay close attention to their location when fishing the Wolf River portion of the lake.

​​​​“Reciprocal hunting and fishing agreements between Kentucky and its bordering states have expired,” the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources said on their website.  “Until further notice, anglers who fish on bordering waters must hold a valid fishing license and follow the regulations of the state in which they are fishing.

“Efforts are underway to update these reciprocal agreements as soon as possible; however, this will take time as it requires KDFWR Commission approval and legislative review.​“

They also attached maps of the affected areas, including one of Dale Hollow Lake.

For more information, visit fw.ky.gov/fish.