Community engagement and collaboration, Recreational access

KIDS TO CATCH RAINBOW TROUT AT DALE HOLLOW NFH

This event is held annually on Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency's Free Fishing Day, this year the event is scheduled for June 11, 2022.

In celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, a Kids' Fishing Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 8:00AM to 12:00 Noon at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery. The annual free event is open to youth under the age of 15. If you would like to volunteer, call 931-243-2443.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with The Friends of Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, US Army Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), and citizens of Clay County hold one of more that 2,500 events nationwide in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week.  More than 500,000 people are expected to participate in these events, which are aimed at encouraging Americans to fish and to learn about natural resource stewardship.

Rainbow trout are released into the creek below the fish hatchery on Saturday morning. Participants receive educational packages. Those that register are be eligible to receive prizes.

The Obey River, below Dale Hollow Dam, is also be stocked on Saturday morning so that adults and children over the age of 15, and younger children not wishing to participate in the Fishing Rodeo also have an opportunity to fish during Free Fishing Day.

National Fishing and Boating Week is a program administered by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the National Fishing and Boating Week Steering Committee.

As part of National Fishing and Boating Week, several states have adopted free fishing days, when fishing license requirements are waived to encourage fishing participation. TWRA offered a free fishing day on June 11, 2022. For more information on other Free Fishing Days, call TWRA at 800-262-6704.

Facilities

Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery aerial photo
We are proud to provide opportunities for safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences at many of our national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries during the coronavirus pandemic. If visiting one of our locations, it is critically important to follow guidance from the CDC and state and local public health...

News

Young angler takes part in Catch a Rainbow Derby at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
Recreational fishing provides opportunities to enjoy and explore the outdoors; an outlet for relaxation; time with families, making memories together; and for some, a source of nourishment and nutrients. Taking part in the nation’s natural pastime also contributes to conservation efforts.
October meeting: Friends of Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery
Hatchery friends groups are a vital part of fish hatchery community contributions. The group at Dale Hollow NFH uses the hatchery to provide community value and opportunities - this usage also benefits the station and USFWS

Programs

Fly Fishing Clinic at Wolf Creek
Aquatic Resource Education grant funds are authorized through the Sport Fish Restoration Act, which provide funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies, for their aquatic resource education programs. The purpose of these funds are to enhance the...