Tenkiller Trout & Bass Report: Stable Levels, Cool Temps, and Hungry Fish

Howdy, folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guide for reelin' 'em in around Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma. It's January 24th, 2026, and we're lookin' at a crisp mornin' with pool elevation at 626.72 feet—5.28 feet below normal, per the US Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District data from yesterday. Water's stable at about 82% full in the conservation pool, with releases holdin' low around 73 cfs. No tides here in these hills, but check the Corps site for generation schedules below the dam—keeps things movin' for the fish. Sunrise hit around 7:25 AM, sunset 'bout 5:35 PM, givin' us a solid 10 hours of light. Weather's cool, hoverin' in the 40s-50s daytime, clear skies mostly, water temp steady at 50°F from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department report on the Lower Illinois River PFHA just last week. Perfect for winter patterns. Fish activity's pickin' up down in the tailwater from Tenkiller Dam to the US 64 bridge—rainbow trout are stocked regular and bitin' good on caddis flies, inline spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, spoons, and worms. They're hittin' in shallows, shorelines, and below the dam. Limits are tight: one rod per person there. Lake proper's got bass action too—folks been pullin' largemouth and smallmouth after that 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series event here. Walleye, sauger, saugeye runnin' six per day over 16 inches downstream. Best lures right now? Inline spinnerbaits and small spoons for trout; go with Lew's Speed Spool or Accel baitcasters for bass if you're chuckin' jigs or soft plastics. Live bait? Worms or minnows hands down—grab 'em at Dave's Bait & Tackle in Gore or Jimmy Houston Outdoors in Park Hill. Hot spots: Hit the Lower Illinois River PFHA tailwater below the dam for trout—shoreline access is prime. On the lake, try the points near Cookson Bend or the river channel edges for bass hangin' deep. Y'all stay safe out there, check regs, and non-residents remember to check in/out per ODWC rules. Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.