Dale Hollow
Plan Your Visit
Visitors to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery can enjoy a wide range of activities, from guided hatchery tours and off-site educational presentations to exploring the aquarium and visitor center. The site features a paved walking and exercise road, as well as a public fishing area perfect for anglers of all ages. With plentiful opportunities for nature viewing, the hatchery welcomes more than 40,000 guests each year to learn, relax, and connect with the natural world.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Volunteering opportunities include direct tasks like fish care-taking, grounds upkeep, and outreach, as well as organizational support. Joining the hatchery's Friends group is considered the most impactful way to contribute to the success of species recovery and outdoor recreation efforts.
Services
About
Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery was established in 1965 to mitigate fishery resources lost due to construction projects like the Dale Hollow Dam. The facility stocks rainbow, brown, lake, and brook trout to support recreational fisheries and local economies in Tennessee and neighboring states. Beyond trout production, the hatchery is vital in the recovery efforts for endangered non-game fish and freshwater mussels. It also provides environmental education, supports Tribal fisheries, and partners with organizations like Project Healing Waters.