Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – January 18, 2025

Well folks, ol’ Captain Joe here, back with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report. The lake is sittin’ purty at 14.60 feet above sea level today. That’s a touch lower than this time last year (16.16 feet) and two years ago (16.13 feet).

How the Weather Impacts Today’s Fishing

We’re expecting a bit of light rain today, about a quarter inch. The wind’s blowin’ out of the east at a gentle 5 miles per hour. This kinda weather can get the bass movin’, especially in the early morning. Look for ’em around the edges of grass beds and near any moving water.

What This Means for Your Fishing Trip

With the lake level a bit lower than previous years, you might find the fish concentrated in certain areas. Keep an eye out for:

• Bass: The bass should be biting well in the shallows with the overcast conditions. Try using topwater lures or swim jigs around the grass beds.
• Crappie: Look for crappie near any structure you can find, like submerged trees or dock pilings. Minnows or small jigs will be your best bet.
• Bluegill: The bluegill are probably hangin’ out in deeper water right now. Try using crickets or worms near the bottom.

Remember, this is just a quick update. Check back on Monday for my full weekly fishing report, where I’ll dive deeper into what’s biting and where.

Tight lines, y’all!

Captain Joe