Located on the Illinois River a few miles south of Tahlequah, Tenkiller Ferry Lake lies in the heart of the Cookson Hills and reaches more than 25 miles up the river into Sequoyah and Cherokee Counties. Approximately 2,590 acres of project land west of the lake are licensed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for a state game management area. Popular game species include deer, quail, dove, duck, geese, rabbit and squirrel. Anglers may choose from various bass species, crappie, catfish, bream and walleye. Rainbow trout are stocked below the dam. Facilities include boat ramps, picnic areas, RV and tent campsites, drinking water, group shelters, restrooms, showers, swimming beaches, electric outlets, concession services, playgrounds, nature trails, marinas, cabins, enclosed fishing docks, boat rentals, and swimming pool. The shoreline length around Lake Tenkiller measures approximately 130 miles.
Lake Tenkiller is considered one of the best places in the state to go scuba diving, as its waters are clear from eight to twenty eight feet. Tenkiller Scuba Park is a diver's dream, with sunken vehicles, planes and boats to explore underwater. In some areas of the lake, the remains of homesteads and artifacts left behind before the lake was formed litter the lake bottom and give divers a glimpse of history. The lake's underwater terrain ranges from mildly sloping hills to rock cliffs, and the water goes up to 165 feet deep in places. With an Oklahoma fishing license, divers seeking a thrill can try their luck at spearfishing for non-game fish. Two diving pro shops are located on the lake, offering training, certification and equipment rental.
With more than 200 lakes and over one million surface acres of water, Oklahoma is the perfect place to cast your line. Our scenic lakes, rivers and ponds are home to more than 40 documented species of fish. No matter your method of take—from rod and reel to juglines, limblines, gigging and noodling—you’re in for an angling adventure of a lifetime when you fish Oklahoma’s plentiful waters. Below you’ll find a rundown of some of the Sooner State’s most abundant species and the best places to find them.
Northeastern Oklahoma is lake country, pure and simple. There are plenty of reasons to visit this part of the state—the phenomenal cities, tallgrass prairies and wildlife preserves are just a few of them—but lakeside fun and relaxation is far and away the area’s biggest draw. We profiled the popular Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in our overview of Oklahoma's top lakes, but there are so many more fantastic lakes to be found in the region. Since it can be hard to figure out what lake is perfect for your next getaway, we’ve made it easier by overviewing some of the region’s top lakes and highlighting their most unique attractions. If you’re not already planning your next Green Country lakeside getaway, this rundown might be just the inspiration you need.
Whether you’re looking for an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping or simply seeking a quiet escape into nature, you’ll find it in Oklahoma. Check out these great adventure hot spots with ready-made trip ideas.
Oklahoma has played host to a variety of Hollywood films - heart-wrenching dramas, zany comedies and high impact thrillers have all been filmed here. Whether you’re a cinema buff or just catch the occasional flick, you’ll have fun exploring these filming locations in the Sooner State.
The Oklahoma sun shines proudly overhead, watermelon is ripe for the picking and flowers are in full bloom: summer is here and it’s time to celebrate. Plan your summer vacation in Oklahoma with the help of this handy guide!
