Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships/Photos: Bassmaster

Prior to starting practice this week for the 2025 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Lake Tenkiller, the last time Cody Huff and Logan Parks saw this pond was for the 2018 Bassmaster College Series National Championship. Huff and his partner Garrett Enders, who attended the collegiate fishing powerhouse Bethel University, won that event with a three-day total of 41-6.

Parks and his partner, fishing for another college fishing staple of Auburn University, had a tough day one but bounced back on day two, ultimately finishing in the top 30. That tournament proved pivotal for both future Elite Series pros, as it helped to lay the groundwork that would one day propel them to compete at the highest level of the sport.

“What I remember most about that tournament was how hot it was,” Huff recalled, and Parks agreed. “It was late July, there was no wind, and I think the real feel was 112 degrees. It was brutal.”

Huff and Enders capitalized on a similarly hot marina bite during that tournament while Parks targeted schooling fish to success on day two. Lake Tenkiller is proving to be a whole different can of worms this time around for Huff, Parks, and the rest of the Elite Series field.

It’s been a prolonged spring in eastern Oklahoma this year and the past few weeks there has been a lot of rain in the Tahlequah area. This added inflow has caused flooded conditions on Tenkiller and surrounding fisheries, while the Army Core of Engineers continues to pull water as fast as possible, creating a literal ebb and flow on this fishery right now.

Water level was at the front of the Elite Series fields’ mind before competition began this morning as the fluctuation can throw both fishermen and the fish a curveball.

We will see anglers have to adapt with the conditions this week, changing their techniques and presentations as the tournament unfolds. Parks and Huff agreed as they looked out over Lake Tenkiller from their Air BnB perched in the Ozark Mountains.

We caught up with the former college fishing standouts and Toyota Bonus Bucks members for their expectations on Lake Tenkiller for the seventh stop of the 2025 season.

 

Q – With water level fluctuations being a main talking point, what percentage of the fish weighed in this week will be caught shallow vs offshore?

Huff – “I’d would say 60% shallow and 40% deep. The shallow bite should be strong to start but if they keep pulling water I think the offshore bite will start to shine.”

Parks – “I think it’ll be a solid mix. Probably like 60% shallow and 40% offshore, but the deep fish will be better quality.”

 

Q – What are three lures or techniques you believe will play a major role on Lake Tenkiller this week?

Huff – “There is a lot going on right now, both shallow and deep. I’d say the three main deals will be flipping flooded cover, using FFS with a minnow, and my wildcard would be a spinnerbait.”

Parks – “I think a jig will play a big role, flipping bushes and docks and what not. A drop shot and then some kind of topwater, like a Berkley Bullet Pop.”

 

Q – Grammy award winning country music superstar Carrie Underwood’s alma mater is Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where the Bassmaster Expo will be held this week. If you had to characterize your practice and tournament expectations for Lake Tenkiller using a Carrie Underwood song title, which song would you choose?

Huff – “Logan took the only other song I know, so I’m going to say Before he Cheats. And thankfully that’s not really something I have to worry about because of B.A.S.S.’s increased polygraphs.”

Parks – “No doubt Jesus, Take the Wheel, except I’m changing it to Jesus, Take the Reel.”

 

Q – How much weight per day do you expect it to take to make Championship Sunday this week?

Huff – “I think fourteen and change will get you a top 10. Fourteen pounds per day.”

Parks – “Fifteen pounds per day should be strong.”