Tenkiller Fishing Report: Topwater Blitz, Crappie Stacking up, Catfish Cruising Flats

Artificial Lure bringing you the Lake Tenkiller Fishing Report for Saturday, October 4th, 2025. It’s a crisp early October morning here in eastern Oklahoma—fall color is starting to creep onto the ridges above Tenkiller, and anglers are flocking to the water for that classic autumn bite. According to the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers, the lake level is sitting at 632.7 feet, about three-quarters of a foot above normal. Water clarity is good in the main lake, and the release out of the dam is humming along at 600 CFS. We’ve had a run of cool nights, pushing those surface temps into the sweet spot for both bass and crappie activity. No tides to report here—just good ol’ reservoir levels—but weather’s a big player today. The forecast calls for sunrise around 7:18 a.m. with sunset at 7:03 p.m. Expect clear skies through midday, a high right around 79 degrees, and a stiff breeze picking up by the afternoon. Bring a windbreaker and your best casting arm. Fishing has been hot for both the bass and panfish crowd. Reports from local guides and tackle shops paint a classic picture for this time of year: **topwater action** is on fire at first light. Walk-the-dog baits and poppers are getting smashed along rocky points and main lake bluffs. The main species coming over the rails right now are **largemouth and smallmouth bass**, both running 2 to 4 pounds, with an occasional kicker over 5. Folks working shallow flats with buzzbaits and spinnerbaits are also boating good numbers. Around mid-morning, bass are keying in on shad schools moving deeper. That’s when your best bet is to swap to medium-diving crankbaits in shad or sexy shad patterns, or throw a 3/8-ounce jig in green pumpkin tight to brush piles and ledges. According to Bassmaster’s fall tactics feature for this week, a slow-rolled jig is tough to beat in stained fall water, and local anglers back that up. For you crappie guys, the bite is stacking up strong on brush piles and laydowns in 12 to 18 feet of water. Multiple anglers yesterday pulled limits using live minnows and Bobby Garland Baby Shad plastics in blue ice or monkey milk. Early morning is best, but you’ll pick up scattered fish throughout the day, especially near the docks in Strayhorn and Barnacle Bill’s areas. Catfish have been cruising the flats and creek mouths at night and just after sunrise. Cut shad and punch bait along the channel drops will get you into blues up to 10 pounds and plenty of keeper channel cats. The bite slows during the day but stays strong at dusk. The north end—especially around Chicken Creek and the Snake Creek area—has been a real hot spot for mixed-bag fishing. Locals are also reporting that Burnt Cabin and the State Park marina cove are holding some of the better slab crappie and bonus white bass. Don’t overlook Snake Creek Bridge for a shore-fishing option—it’s still producing, especially for night anglers. If you’re wondering what to have tied on today: - For bass: Zara Spooks, Whopper Ploppers This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.