Natural State Kayak Anglers heads back to Lake Tenkiller this Saturday, May 16. It’s a stop most anglers know well, but it’s also one that rarely fishes easy. The results over the past few years show a lake that is consistent—but also tight—when it comes to the leaderboard. This year’s H2 Heat & Air Lake Tenkiller bass tournament is setting up to be a smash-fest!
If you look at the last four events, the winning totals were 89.50, 86.75, 87.25, and 88.25 inches. That’s a narrow range, and it gives a pretty clear benchmark for what it usually takes to win here in May.
What does it take to win a bass fishing tournament on Lake Tenkiller in May?
To win on Tenkiller in May, many anglers typically need:
- A five-fish limit totaling 86–90 inches
- Targeting a mix of shallow and transition fish
- Fishing secondary points, rock, and nearby depth
- Using moving baits early and slowing down to upgrade
Spring setup on Tenkiller
Mid-May on Tenkiller almost always puts anglers in a transition. Some fish are still shallow, especially around pockets, cover, and protected areas. At the same time, a good portion of the population has already started moving out to main lake or deeper water.
Those fish tend to show up on secondary points, rock, and the first drop just outside spawning areas.
It’s also worth remembering that Tenkiller is a mixed fishery. Largemouth are still the primary player for most anglers, especially shallow. Smallmouth tend to factor more on rock and clearer water, particularly on the lower end. Spotted bass aren’t usually the headline, but they can fill out a limit when things get tough.
Because of that mix, there’s rarely just one pattern or one area that dominates the entire field in a Lake Tenkiller bass tournament.
SAVE 15% AT LURENET.COM with code: KINCY15
Weather outlook
Right now, the forecast for Saturday looks like a fairly typical spring setup. Morning temperatures should start in the upper 60s, with highs reaching into the 80s.
Cloud cover is expected early, with a chance of storms later in the day.
That combination usually puts more weight on the early part of the day. Anglers who can take advantage of the morning window may be able to build a stronger starting limit before conditions shift.
Past NSKA Lake Tenkiller bass tournament results
2025
The 2025 event was won with 88.25 inches. Second and third both came in at 82.75, and the top 10 cut was 77.25.
There’s a noticeable gap between first and the rest of the field. That points to one angler finding a better quality pattern, not just catching more fish.
At the same time, the group from second through tenth was fairly tight. A lot of anglers found fish, but the difference came down to upgrades. That’s been a recurring theme.
2024
In 2024, the winning total was 87.25 inches, followed by 84.50 and 84.25. The top 10 cut landed right at 80 inches, and big bass measured 20 inches.
This event had more depth from top to bottom. It took a full limit of quality fish just to stay near the top of the standings.
Various parts of the lake showed up again as a productive area, and the data suggests that multiple parts of the lake were in play. The big bass helped, but the leaderboard was built more on consistency than one standout fish.
2023
The 2023 event was one of the closest finishes. First place came in at 86.75, second at 86.25, and third at 86.00. The top 10 cut reached 83.50.
Less than an inch separated the top three. In a Lake Tenkiller bass tournament, that usually means the lake was fishing well across the board.
Multiple anglers found quality fish, and small differences—missed bites, lost fish, or a single upgrade—likely made the difference in the final standings.
2022
In 2022, the winning total reached 89.50 inches. Second place had 88.00, and third had 87.75. The top 10 cut was 80.25, and big bass went 20.75.
This was the strongest showing of the four years in terms of overall numbers for an NSKA Lake Tenkiller bass tournament.
Even with higher totals, it was still tight at the top. That event also showed how much a big fish can help—but it still took a full, balanced limit to win.
What the trends show for a Lake Tenkiller bass tournament
Across these four events, the pattern is consistent. Winning takes something in the upper 80s. A limit around 80 can keep you in the mix, but it usually won’t be enough to contend for the top spot.
This is not a lake where one lucky fish carries the day. It’s usually about putting together five solid fish and finding ways to improve that limit.
Different anglers have been successful in different areas, but the approach tends to look similar. Start shallow, then adjust. Use moving baits to locate fish, and slow down when it’s time to upgrade.
For kayak anglers, that matters even more. You’re often working within a smaller area, so finding something repeatable is key.
Areas to watch
Chicken Creek continues to be one of the more consistent areas on the lake. It has a mix of pockets, structure, and nearby depth, and it has shown up in multiple events.
Mid-lake areas like Burnt Cabin, Elk Creek, Snake Creek, Six Shooter, and Sizemore Landing and surrounding areas set up in a similar way. They give anglers access to both shallow and transition fish without having to move far.
The lower end near the dam can also be a factor, especially for anglers looking for clearer water or targeting smallmouth and spotted bass.
The river end is more dependent on conditions. If the water color is right, it can produce a lot of shallow largemouth.
What to expect this Saturday
The most likely setup is a split pattern.
Some anglers will get bit shallow early, especially if the cloud cover sticks around. As the day goes on, the better fish may come from secondary points, rock, or the first drop outside spawning areas.
The anglers who recognize that shift—and make the right move at the right time—should have the best chance to separate.
Predictions
Winning total: around 88 to 89 inches
Big bass: around 20 inches
Projected top three:
1st: 88.50
2nd: 87.75
3rd: 85.75
What are the best baits for bass fishing on Lake Tenkiller in May?
The most effective baits for Tenkiller in May typically include:
- Spinnerbaits for covering shallow water and windy banks
- Chatterbaits for active fish around rock and transition areas
- Topwater lures during low light periods
- Smaller baits like Ned rigs and other finesses lures
- Jigs for fishing structure and upgrading fish
Final thought
Tenkiller tends to reward anglers who stay flexible.
The numbers show that it takes a full, quality limit to compete, and usually a few upgrades to win. Most years, the difference comes down to small decisions and execution.
That’s likely to be the case again this weekend.