Obey River
The Obey River below Dale Hollow in Tennessee is a tailwater known for smallmouth bass near Dale Hollow Lake.
- 61 miRiver length
- 1Game fish
- 11Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Obey
The Obey River in north central Tennessee runs from Dale Hollow Lake toward the Cumberland River. Dale Hollow is famous for giant smallmouth bass. That reputation spills over to the river.
The Obey is a tailwater river, so flows depend on releases from Dale Hollow Dam. Smallmouth bass are the main fish. Anglers use streamers, poppers and baby bass imitations. Delicate presentations can help where fish see a lot of bait fishing pressure.
The area is a popular and busy place. Access points are scattered along the river and near the lake. Winter midges, blue-winged olives and terrestrials are part of the bug life.
Check TWRA rules and release schedules before you wade or float.
Gages near Obey River
Is the Obey fishing today?
See today's top 10 rivers near you, free. Go Premium to score the Obey, or any gage, on demand.
Other gages nearby
- Cumberland River at Celina, TN11.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03417500
- West Fork Obey River near Alpine, TN12.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03415000
- Roaring River near Hilham, TN15.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03418000
- Cumberland River at Burkesville, KY17.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03414100
- Crocus Creek near Amandaville, KY23.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03414078
- Cumberland River near Rowena, KY25.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03414000
- Beaver Creek near Monticello, KY28.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03413200
- Falling Water River near Cookeville, TN34.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03423000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Tennessee river that holds it.
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Upper Cumberland watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Obey
-
Check generation schedules
Dam releases change the river quickly. Look at the schedule before you wade.
-
Throw streamers and poppers
Smallmouth hit baby bass and minnow patterns. Poppers work in warm weather.
-
Slow your presentation down
The fish see a lot of bait fishing. A light touch can help.
-
Use boats or kayaks carefully
Floating can help you cover water, but flows can change fast.
-
Respect the crowds
This is a popular area. Be courteous at ramps and bank access.
Every access point on the Obey, in your pocket.
- 11 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- Bite forecast for the days ahead
Rivers near the Obey
Obey River FAQ
Where is the Obey River in Tennessee?
It flows from Dale Hollow Lake in north central Tennessee toward the Cumberland River.
Can you wade the Obey River?
Yes in some spots, but dam releases can raise the river fast. Check schedules before you go.
What fish are in the Obey River?
The Obey is known for smallmouth bass.
What flies work on the Obey River?
Baby fat minnows, Woolly Buggers and poppers are good classics. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
Is the Obey River a tailwater?
Yes. It is listed as a Tennessee tailwater, so flows depend on releases from Dale Hollow Dam.
Are there special rules on the Obey River?
Rules apply based on section and species. Check the current TWRA regulations.
