I've caught some beutiful salmon out of there, but many a day been skunked also.
Yes no access until the gate keepers at the campground wake up. So don't expect to get the early bite unless you camp there. Also very little parking near the launch and a hefty climb up the road to the upper parking area.
F&G manage it more for brookies. Stocking brookies in 2008 they put in 2,700 1yr, 200 2yr, and 30,000 fingerlings (probably to feed the lakers). They only put in 300 1 yr old salmon.
The water is absolutely clear and I've recorded 133' as the deepest.
Cal

Cal,
Have you ever driven the road that loops around above, over looking the lake?

Is there a launch fee at
Big Dan Hole ?

that pond brings back bad memories my dad almost drowned there back in the late 60,s 4 of his buddies went trout fishing there in a square bottom alum boat next thing the boat was sinking and my dad could not swim his best friend saved him when i saw that post big dan hole it brought back memories it was great trout fishing back then

Dan hole can also get very rough in a hurry.

ive only ice fished itnear the dam, good hike in with sleds. coldest windiest place ive ever been on earth. LOL. some nice lakers, seen 10 pounders but never got one above maybe 6