For those planning to hit Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma today, here’s what you need to know:
First off, Lake Tenkiller, situated in the Ozark highlands, is not a tidal lake since it's a freshwater impoundment on the Illinois River. The lake's elevation is currently normal and stable, according to the latest reports[4].
As of November 23, the water temperature is around 60°F, and the water is clear[4]. The weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, making it a pleasant day for fishing.
Sunrise is at about 6:55 AM, and sunset will be around 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to cast your lines.
Fish activity has been decent, with largemouth and spotted bass being caught fairly consistently on jigs and plastic lures[4]. Crappie fishing has been slow, but you might still catch some around docks, inlets, and shorelines using jigs and minnows[5].
For catfish, blue and channel catfish are biting well on minnows, shad, and worms, especially around inlets and the main lake areas[5].
If you're after trout, the tailwaters below the dam are your best bet, thanks to the cool water year-round[1].
Some hot spots to consider include the areas downstream from the Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to the dam, where you can find a mix of bass and crappie. Also, check out the public-use areas and private resorts in the Burnt Cabin, Caney Creek, and Tenkiller State Park areas, which offer easy access to the shoreline and fishing dock concessions[1].
Remember, crappie must be at least 10 inches long, with a daily limit of 15 combined[1].
Good luck out there, and tight lines