Fishing Lake Tenkiller

AKA: Tenkiller Ferry Lake

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lake Tenkiller, OK

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a popular choice of many locals at Lake Tenkiller, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

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Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Lake Tenkiller. White crappie often out-weigh black crappie, but both are fun to catch. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

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White Bass Fishing

The state record for white bass is over 5 pounds, and Lake Tenkiller has plenty of white bass nearing that size. After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Lake Tenkiller and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish and white bass at Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma.

Lake Tenkiller Fishing Video

Picturesque Lake Tenkiller, officially Tenkiller Ferry Lake, is a 13,000-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Paradise Hill, OK. Known for its exceptionally clear waters, the reservoir has 130 miles of shoreline and is an ideal fishery for bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and sunfish.

Lake Tenkiller, in eastern Oklahoma, is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience in nature. Fishing at Lake Tenkiller is a popular activity, attracting anglers with its diverse fish population. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities and is home to a variety of fish species. Anglers can target popular fish species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Whether you prefer fishing from the shoreline or exploring the lake by boat, Lake Tenkiller provides ample fishing spots and the opportunity to reel in some impressive catches.

There are two dozen boat launch ramps, almost a dozen marinas, and over a dozen parks around the lake including a half-dozen campgrounds/RV parks. Bring the RV or tent, pack up the family, hook up the boat and head for a vacation paradise. There are also boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoons for rent at the lake.

Oklahoma, Lake Tenkiller offers a delightful combination of fishing, boating, and camping experiences. Whether you're casting your line for your favorite fish species, cruising on the clear waters, or unwinding at a lakeside campsite, Lake Tenkiller provides a picturesque and serene destination for outdoor enthusiasts to create lasting memories and embrace the natural beauty of Oklahoma.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Tenkiller

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Tenkiller Ferry Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is another major draw at Lake Tenkiller, thanks to its clear waters and scenic beauty. Boaters can navigate the lake's expansive surface, take in the breathtaking views, and engage in various water activities. Whether you enjoy leisurely cruises, water skiing, or kayaking, Lake Tenkiller offers an ideal setting for boating enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite water sports. With its numerous coves and secluded areas, the lake provides a sense of adventure and exploration for boaters.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Burnt Cabin Marina & Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
918 457-5421

Pine Cove Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
918 489-5735

Sixshooter Resort & Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
918 457-5152

Strayhorn Marina Tenkiller
Rentals: Pontoon boats
918 939-8600

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Blackgum Landing Public Use Area Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off S 512 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Burnt Cabin Marina & Resort Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off S 497 Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Chicken Creek Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off S 520 Road, three is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cookson Bend Public Use Area Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off S521 Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Dry Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, at the east end of the Highway 100 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Elk Creek Landing Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, off S 560 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fisherman's Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, in Tenkiller State Park, off Highway 100, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hickory Flats Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off S Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pettit Bay Public Use Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off W 873 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Sixshooter Camp Public Use Area Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off W Sixshooter Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sizemore Landing
Located mid lake, northwest side, off Sizemore, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Snake Creek Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Snake Creek Cove Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Carters Landing Public Use Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off E Carters Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

W 888 Road Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off W 888 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Burnt Cabin Marina & Resort
35190 S 497 Rd
Park Hill, OK 74451
918 457-5421

Caney Ridge Marina
23449 Oklahoma Hwy 100
Welling, OK 74471
918 457-4417

Cookson Bend Marina
19644 W. Cookson Bend Rd
Cookson, OK 74427
918 487-5252

Elk Creek Resort and Marina
22911 W 877 Rd
Park Hill, OK 74451
918 457-5142

Pine Cove Marina
97724 South 4485 Rd.
Vian, OK 74962
918 489-5735

Sixshooter Resort & Marina
20144 W. Sixshooter Road
Cookson, OK 74427
918 457-5152

Snake Creek Marina
18576 W Snake Creek Rd
Cookson, OK 74427
918 457-5674

Strayhorn Marina Tenkiller
446547 965 Rd
Gore, OK 74435
918 939-8600

Fishing Guides On Lake Tenkiller

Lake Tenkiller Oklahoma Fishing Guide - bass, crappie, white bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Oklahoma Fishing License.

Camping at Lake Tenkiller is a cherished experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the area. The lake offers several campgrounds that cater to different camping preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping with modern amenities, Lake Tenkiller has suitable options for every camper. Set up camp amidst the serene surroundings, enjoy evenings by the campfire, and wake up to the sounds of nature. Campers can also take advantage of the lake's proximity by swimming, hiking, or simply unwinding by the shoreline. Lake Tenkiller's campgrounds provide a peaceful retreat where campers can relax and rejuvenate.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Snake Creek Cove Campground - 918 487-5252

Chicken Creek Campground - 918 487-5252

Cookson Bend Campground - 918 487-5252

Elk Creek Landing Campground - 918 487-5252

Pettit Bay Campground - 918 487-5252

Marval Resort Campground - 918 489-2295

Lake Tenkiller OK Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Tenkiller
Pine Cove Marina
HCR 68 Box 1090
Vian, OK 74962
918 489-5735

Fishing lakes in each state.

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