Late Fall Fishing Bonanza at Lake Tenkiller

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tenkiller fishing update for November 26, 2025. It’s been a classic late fall morning in Cherokee County—crisp air, scattered clouds, and a smooth lake surface under those famous Tenkiller bluffs. Sunrise hit at 7:08 AM, and we’ll see sunset at 5:13 PM, giving us a tighter window for that prime bite. Weather today has been seasonally cool, with early temps in the mid-40s, climbing to the low 60s by afternoon. Winds are light, mostly out of the northwest, so expect decent water clarity at the coves. The lake level is steady; according to the Tulsa District Water Control report, Tenkiller is holding at just over 1 foot above normal with the conservation pool nearly full and only minor releases. Water temp is running in the low- to mid-50s, keeping those fish active but hugging structure and deeper breaks. Let’s get to the hot streak—recent trips have seen solid action on black bass, crappie, and even a few walleye. The bass bite picked up along rocky points and drop-offs, with locals boating largemouth up to four pounds and some smallies pushing three. Bass have been smashing 3/8-ounce spinnerbaits with twin willow blades—white/chartreuse has been the top pick, especially when there’s a hint of chop. Jerkbaits in shad color are another go-to when fish suspend off bluff walls or sun-warmed pockets. Oklahoma pro Blake Capps, as featured on Bassmaster, loves to swap out spinner combos for just these late fall conditions. Crappie fishing has moved deep; look mid-lake towards the Snake Creek area or down near the dam. Jigs tipped with a minnow—chartreuse and pink tubes—are working anywhere from 15 to 25 feet, especially when you find brush or standing timber. Reports from the dock say folks are hauling in limits, with several slabs in the 12- to 14-inch range. Early morning and late afternoon are your magic hours. A handful of walleye have shown up along the river arm, mostly on live nightcrawlers or medium diving crankbaits dragged over gravel humps. Bite is still scattered, but if you’re patient, a few nice eaters are there to be had. For catfish, stick to cut shad or fresh chicken livers off the flats near Pettit Bay—the evening bite’s your best shot as water temps cool. As for bait, shad profile is king. Anything that mimics our threadfin or gizzard shad draws bites from nearly everything right now. For artificials, keep those spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and 1/8-ounce crappie jigs handy. If you’re anchored and after a mess of fish, a bucket of minnows is tough to beat. Best hotspots today: Snake Creek for deep crappie, Standing Rock for big bass pushing up shallower late in the afternoon, and the river channel edges near Burnt Cabin for those prowling walleye. Remember, conditions can turn quick in late November—dress in warm layers, keep your bait fresh, and always let someone know when you head out on the water. Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake Tenkiller fishing report—this is Artificial Lure wishing y This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.