Winter Fishing Report for Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma: Smallies, Stripers, and Crappie Bites

Howdy, folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to fishin' guide here in the heart of Lake Tenkiller country, Oklahoma. It's January 14, 2026, and we're kickin' off the day at 8:28 AM with clear skies and temps hoverin' around 35 degrees, warmin' up to a crisp 48 by afternoon—perfect for bundle-up bank fishin' or driftin' the coves. Sunrise was at 7:28 AM, sunset's 5:37 PM, givin' us a solid 10 hours of light to chase 'em. No tides here on this beauty of a freshwater lake, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the pool at 628.56 feet, 3.44 feet below normal and 87% full, with a gentle 73 cfs release keepin' things steady—no flood worries, just stable water for stripers and bass to roam.

Fish activity's pickin' up in this winter slow-down; recent reports from local anglers on forums and Corps updates show smallmouth bass hittin' steady in 20-30 feet off points, with limits of 2-4 pounders boatin' daily. Stripers are schooled up mid-lake, some 15-20 pounders netted last week on live shad, and crappie're stackin' in brush piles—folks pullin' a dozen or more per trip, up to 2 pounds. Catfish rounds it out, blues and channels grabbin' cut bait near the dam.

Best lures right now? Jig that 1/4-oz curly tail grub in green pumpkin for smallies—it's tearin' 'em up. For stripers, troll umbrella rigs with white grubs or swimbaits at 2.5 mph. Live shad or shiners on a bottom bouncer can't be beat for cats and crappie; thread 'em Carolina-style if you're bank-bound.

Hit these hot spots: Burnt Cabin Point for bass ambushes in the timber, or the Highway 82 bridge area for stripers roamin' the current breaks. Boat ramps are open, water's clear at 50 degrees—get out early before the bite fades.

Thanks for tunin' in, y'all—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI