Impounded in 1952, Tenkiller is the only controlled impoundment on the Illinois River and can experience prolonged drastic lake level fluctuations. Situated in the Ozark highlands, Tenkiller is a deep, clear lake dominated by a shoreline with rocky bluffs and outcroppings. There are numerous public access areas, including two state parks, and Tenkiller is very popular for all types of recreation. Due to its depth, the lake provides cool water for the popular year-round trout fishery in the tailwaters.
Lake Tenkiller (Google Map) is located 10 miles south of Tahlequah on US 82 and S Indian Rd.
Lake Details
Located
U.S. Corps of Engineers and Oklahoma State Parks manages campgrounds with full RV hookups, boat ramps and designated swimming areas.
- Dave's Bait & Tackle(304 S Main St, Gore, OK 74435)- (918) 489-2424
- Jimmy Houston Outdoors Store(25148 OK-82, Park Hill, OK 74451)- (918) 456-1156
- Walmart Supercenter (Sallisaw)(1101 W Ruth Ave, Sallisaw, OK 74955)- (918) 775-4492
- Walmart Supercenter (Tahlequah)(2020 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464)- (918) 456-8804
- Mike's Outdoors(2015 N York St, Muskogee, OK 74403)- (918) 687-3146
- Dunham's Sports(2346 E Shawnee Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403)- (918) 913-4250
- Walmart Supercenter (Muskogee)(1000 W Shawnee St, Muskogee, OK 74401)- (918) 687-0058
- Bait Barn(550 W Harris Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403)- (918) 682-4479
- Mater's Bait & Tackle(7500 N York Rd, Okay, OK 74446)
- JJ's Bait Shop(20108 N County Rd 4460, Stigler, OK 74462)- (918) 552-2272
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are subject to a 13-16" no harvest slot limit. Crappie must be a minimum of 10-inches and have a daily limit of 15.
Public-use areas provide easy access to the shoreline. Private resorts in the Burnt Cabin, Caney Creek and Tenkiller State Park areas operate fishing dock concessions.
(Downstream from Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to dam)
All crappie: 15 combined per day/10-inch minimum.
(Downstream from Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to dam)
Prohibited methods: gigs and spears downstream of Horseshoe Bend boat ramp. Speargunning is legal when used with scuba, except taking flathead catfish from June 15 through July 15 is prohibited.
Tenkiller Report
May 18. Elevation is 0.5 ft. above normal (stable), water temperature 72°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level)
Bass, Largemouth, Bass, Spotted Fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures around brush structure, coves, flats, shorelines.
Bass, White Good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, small lures around coves, creek channels, flats, main lake.
Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead Fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad around channels, river channel, river mouth.
Comments: Black bass has been fair, with the early hours of the day or late evening being the better opportunities. They can be found near schools of shad. Top water early has been successful for anglers. White bass can also be found in coves and the main lake, schooling and feeding. When spotting schooling up and hitting the surface, catching them can be easy but toughens up once they stop.
Report submitted by Cody Youngblood (Game Warden Cherokee County)
