Fantasy Fishing: Summertime mystery

Written by

Solomon Glenn

Minnesota

After a nice little break in the action, the Elites go north one state to Oklahoma and Tenkiller Lake, a place the Elites have only visited once. That visit was also six years ago and in the fall so this event will be a clean slate for all the anglers. This year we will get to see all that Tenkiller has to offer in a Summer situation. While 2019 proved to be challenging with weights on the lighter side, this year should have all the fireworks.

Coming off the Sabine with an incredible amount of water, Tenkiller is only 12,900 acres which may have anglers fishing close to one another but being in mid-June should have good numbers of fish schooled up offshore. With all the unknowns and lots of deals possible to be in play, I could see some of the youngsters being big players once again. Those who can find something a little unique even if they are fishing in a crowd will prevail.

BUCKET A: PRZEKURAT

As was my fear, I regretted ending my streak picking Jay Przekurat at the Sabine River. However, I’m back on the trend and I think Przekurat will continue strong on a place like Tenkiller. His adaptability and the presence of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass will give him plenty of opportunity to thrive. While no tournament experience that I can find on Tenkiller, that doesn’t seem to be as much of a factor anymore.

Solid secondary pick: Easton Fothergill has worked his was all the way to Bucket A in short order. If Tenkiller turns out to be tough, Easton will be able to grind his way to another good finish. His first Open win last year was in Oklahoma so he’s always a threat as we all know.

BUCKET B: MEYER

Cody Meyer has mentioned that he’s never been to Tenkiller. However, I feel this body of water could be right up his wheelhouse. He had a couple of uncharacteristically tough events during the Texas swing a I know he will be wanting to bounce back. Deep, clearwater situations should see Meyer thrive. His Open visit to Oklahoma last year treated him well with a 9th place finish.

Solid secondary pick: With so little history to go off on Tenkiller there are definitely going to be some gut feeling picks. Cooper Gallant has been holding steady this season and I’m looking for him to continue his consistence. And I feel Tenkiller could fit his style.

BUCKET C: GORE

Scoping definitely could play on Tenkiller and Wesley Gore is very talented at getting pressured fish to bite. Just with the smaller size of the lake the fish could feel some pressure from the Elite field. The Coosa River native knows how to out fish others around him. He’s had decent success on Oklahoma fisheries in the past.

Solid secondary pick: Tenkiller just seems like a place Beau Browning could thrive. It’s not too far away from home and he’s a guy that can fish the conditions.

BUCKET D: AREY

Matt Arey is one of the anglers who fish Tenkiller when the Elites visited in 2019 and he finished with a Top 20. While it will fish completely different Arey is a master with finesse and offshore fishing. It’s due time to see Arey make a push with an offshore bite.

Solid secondary pick: Tenkiller could set up very nicely for Dakota Ebare. I picked him in both Texas tournaments and while he started both well, very tough second or third days dropped him way down the standings.

BUCKET E: CARD

Brandon Card has had a trying 2025 season, but I believe he’s one that could climb out of Bucket E. He was another one that has some experience on Tenkiller and in 2019 finished in 4th. Card also has some other good finishes in Oklahoma including 14th in the 2024 Classic on Grand. Once you get to Bucket E at this point in the season, pretty much everyone is having a bad year. However, someone will always break through.

Solid secondary pick: Chris Zaldain was shooting for the win last time on Tenkiller and is really good at fishing for the biggest fish in the lake, especially when there’s less of them.