Tenkiller's Trophies: Bassers, Crappie & Catfish Await on this Prime Spring Day

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your fishing report for Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma, on this fine Saturday, April 12, 2025. If you’re planning to hit the water today, you’re in for a treat as conditions are setting up just right for some memorable catches. The sunrise today was at 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 7:45 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reel in some trophies. The weather is stable and favorable with partly cloudy skies, a high of 68°F, and light southeast winds at 5-10 mph. Current water temperature sits around 55-62°F depending on location, with slight murkiness in some areas due to recent water level changes. The lake elevation is about 6 feet above normal and rising, so focus your efforts near creek mouths and channels for active fish. Fishing activity is heating up across the lake. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are biting well. Largemouth bass are showing strong pre-spawn behavior and are hitting medium-diving crankbaits, jigs, and Alabama rigs, especially around rocky points, brush structures, and creek channels in 8-12 feet of water. Smallmouth are loving translucent shad-colored crankbaits, along with finesse jigs and soft plastics like green pumpkin worms, particularly near rocky outcroppings. The crappie bite is excellent, with both black and white crappie actively schooling near brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 feet of water. Anglers have been pulling limits using small jigs in chartreuse or pink, and live minnows have been equally productive. Key areas like Sixshooter Creek and Petit Bay are hotspots for crappie right now. Catfish are also feeding aggressively. Channel and blue catfish are responding well to stink bait, chicken liver, and cut shad around coves and creek channels, while flathead catfish are active near the Illinois River arm and deeper flats of the lake. Use larger baits like live sunfish if you’re targeting those big flatheads. If you’re looking for premium fishing spots, Chicken Creek is firing for bass action, while Petit Bay and the submerged timber near Sixshooter Creek are prime for crappie. For catfish, the Illinois River arm near Cookson Bend is a consistent producer. For today’s bait options, go with shad-colored lures and natural crawfish patterns for bass. For crappie, bright-colored jigs and minnows will do the trick, and don’t forget to pack some stink bait or cut shad for catfish. If you need to stock up, Dave’s Bait & Tackle in Gore or Jimmy Houston Outdoors in Park Hill will have what you need. With clear to slightly murky waters, active fish, and calm conditions, it’s time to hit Lake Tenkiller and make the most of this fantastic spring day. Tight lines and good luck out there! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.