11/04/2024 Weekly Okeechobee Fishing Report

Well, howdy folks! Captain Joe here, and it's been a while since we've talked fishing, so let's dive right into this week's report. Now, as you know, Lake Okeechobee is like a fickle friend.  Sometimes she's bountiful, sometimes she's a bit of a tease, and sometimes, well, sometimes she's just plain grumpy.   This week, we're seeing some interesting trends, so let's break it down.

**Water Level & Weather** 

First things first, the lake level is sitting at 16.10 feet, which is actually a tad higher than this time last year, and 0.27 feet higher than two years ago.  While it's a touch above average, we're still seeing a fair amount of inflow and outflow.  The Corps of Engineers is keeping a close eye on things, and they're managing the water levels for navigation and environmental reasons.  Now, as for the weather, we're in the heart of fall, and temperatures are finally cooling down.   That means the fishing should be excellent, but the winds are another story.  

The winds are expected to be calm for the early part of the week, with lows in the 5-9 mph range, giving you a good window to get out there and see what you can catch.  As we head into the middle of the week, those winds will pick up a bit, with a chance of gusts up to 20 mph.  Those high winds are going to make life a little harder on the water, but it's still a great time to find some nice fish! 

 **Fishing Forecast**

 Now, let's talk about what's biting.  With the cooler weather, we're seeing the bass really start to fire up.   You can bet they're going to be cruising the shallows looking for a bite, so focus your efforts there.   You'll want to target the edges of the vegetation or around any structure you can find.   Now, I'm a bit partial to top-water baits like a buzzbait or a popper.  There's nothing like the sound of a big bass smashing on a top-water lure.  But, you'll also catch a few on plastics, like a creature bait or a worm, or even a jig.  It's all about finding what works for that day.

Now, if you're looking for some other species, the crappie fishing is still pretty decent.  They're hanging out in the deeper water, so you'll want to use some jigging techniques or even a minnow.  And don't forget about the catfish! They're always hungry, and you can usually find them around the bottom, especially near the inlets and outlets.  I've had some real good luck with shrimp and cut bait for them.

 **Safety First**

Remember, folks, safety should always be your top priority.  No matter how good the fishing is, always check the weather before you head out.  Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.  And most importantly, wear your life vest and check your equipment.  The lake can be unpredictable, even on the calmest of days.

 **Happy Fishing**

I hope this report has got you excited about getting out on the water this week.  Lake Okeechobee can be a fickle friend, but she's always a good time.  So, grab your gear, head out there, and have a great time! Remember, the best fishing report is the one you write yourself! Tight lines!