The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted new rules in 2025 that require non-residents accessing certain Oklahoma public hunting and fishing areas to check in and out of the area. By checking in and out of these areas, hunters, anglers, shooters, birdwatchers, hikers, and any other users can help the Wildlife Department better understand how the area is being used. There is no additional cost associated with checking in or out of an area. There is no limit to the number of check-ins for an individual in a year.
Contacts
Impounded in 1952, Tenkiller is the only controlled impoundment on the Illinois River and can experience prolonged drastic lake level fluctuations. Situated in the Ozark highlands, Tenkiller is a deep, clear lake dominated by a shoreline with rocky bluffs and outcroppings. There are numerous public access areas, including two state parks, and Tenkiller is very popular for all types of recreation. Due to its depth, the lake provides cool water for the popular year-round trout fishery in the tailwaters.
(Downstream from Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to dam)
All crappie: 15 combined per day/10-inch minimum.
(Downstream from Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to dam)
Prohibited methods: gigs and spears downstream of Horseshoe Bend boat ramp. Speargunning is legal when used with scuba, except taking flathead catfish from June 15 through July 15 is prohibited.
Lake Tenkiller (Google Map) is located 10 miles south of Tahlequah on US 82 and S Indian Rd.
Lake Details
Located
U.S. Corps of Engineers and Oklahoma State Parks manages campgrounds with full RV hookups, boat ramps and designated swimming areas.
Bait & Tackle shops are displayed by distance, starting with the closest.
- Dave's Bait & Tackle(304 S Main St, Gore, OK 74435)- (918) 489-2424
- Jimmy Houston Outdoors Store(25148 OK-82, Park Hill, OK 74451)- (918) 456-1156
- Walmart Supercenter (Sallisaw)(1101 W Ruth Ave, Sallisaw, OK 74955)- (918) 775-4492
- Walmart Supercenter (Tahlequah)(2020 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464)- (918) 456-8804
- Mike's Outdoors(2015 N York St, Muskogee, OK 74403)- (918) 687-3146
- Dunham's Sports(2346 E Shawnee Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403)- (918) 913-4250
- Walmart Supercenter (Muskogee)(1000 W Shawnee St, Muskogee, OK 74401)- (918) 687-0058
- Bait Barn(550 W Harris Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403)- (918) 682-4479
- Mater's Bait & Tackle(7500 N York Rd, Okay, OK 74446)
- JJ's Bait Shop(20108 N County Rd 4460, Stigler, OK 74462)- (918) 552-2272
Crappie must be a minimum of 10-inches and have a daily limit of 15.
Public-use areas provide easy access to the shoreline. Private resorts in the Burnt Cabin, Caney Creek and Tenkiller State Park areas operate fishing dock concessions.
Tenkiller Report
Jun 21. Elevation is 6.5 ft. above normal (falling), water temperature 77°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level)
Bass, Smallmouth Good on Alabama rig, buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, riprap, shallows, standing timber, weed beds.
Bass, Largemouth Good on Alabama rigs, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, riprap, standing timber, weed beds.
Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead on chicken liver, cut bait, goldfish, live shad, shad, sunfish around flats, main lake, river channel, rocks.
Comments: Continue to use caution in areas with high water, as debris remains widespread throughout the lake and may present hazards.
"Current lake level: perfect for donating tackle to submerged timber"
Report submitted by David Garrett (Game Warden Cherokee County)
