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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: August 19, 2025 – Captain Joe’s Insights

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you your daily dose of Lake Okeechobee fishing wisdom. Been fishin’ these waters for longer than I care to admit, and I’m here to tell you what’s what for today, August 19, 2025. Let’s dive right in!

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels & Conditions

The latest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers data shows the lake level at 12.17 feet NGVD. That’s down a hair from yesterday’s 12.20 feet. We’re also sitting about 1.89 feet below where we were last year and a good 3.19 feet below two years ago. The average for this time of year is 14.05 feet, so we’re a bit below that. Navigation depths are around 6.11′ on Route 1 and 4.31′ on Route 2.

LOSOM24 Reg ZoneA =  16.89
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneBC =  16.49
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneD =  12.13
 
Data Ending 2400 hours   19 AUG 2025
_____________________________________________________________________________
 
Okeechobee Lake Regulation      Elevation   Last Year  2YRS Ago
                                (ft-NGVD)   (ft-NGVD)  (ft-NGVD)
  *Okeechobee Lake Elevation       12.17       14.06    15.36 (Official Elv)
 
  19AUG (1965-2007) Period of Record Average    14.05
  Difference from POR Average                  -1.88
 
  Today Lake Okeechobee elevation is determined from the 4 Int & 4 Edge stations
 
  ++Navigation Depth (Based on 2007 Channel Condition Survey) Route 1   6.11'
  ++Navigation Depth (Based on 2008 Channel Condition Survey) Route 2   4.31'
  Bridge Clearance = 49.42'
______________________________________________________________________________
 
4 Interior and 4 Edge Okeechobee Lake Average (Avg-Daily values):
 
  L001   L005   L006   LZ40   S4     S352   S308   S133
  12.16  12.26  12.29  12.18  12.45  12.31   12.09 12.04
 
 
 *Combination Okeechobee  Avg-Daily Lake Average =  12.17
                                                   (*See Note)

Weather Outlook & Fishing Forecast

Looks like we’ve got clear skies today, with a light breeze from the west-northwest (around 11 mph). The high is expected to be around 95°F, with a low around 80°F. It’s August in Florida, so expect it to be hot and humid!

How This Impacts Fishing:

• Bass: With the lake level a bit lower than average, bass are likely to be concentrated in areas with good cover. Focus on the Kissimmee grass, lily pads, and any submerged vegetation you can find. Early morning and late evening will be your best bet to beat the heat. Topwater lures and flipping jigs are always a good choice.
• Crappie: Crappie will be holding around deeper structures to escape the heat. Try fishing around bridge pilings, submerged trees, and deeper channels. Minnows and jigs are your go-to baits.
• Bluegill: Bluegill will be active in the shallows, especially around vegetation. Crickets and worms under a bobber are hard to beat. Look for them in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day.
• Catfish: Catfish are always a good option, especially in the warmer months. Fish the deeper holes and channels with stink baits, cut bait, or live bait. Night fishing can be particularly productive.

Inflows and Outflows

Total Inflows: 2317 cfs

Total Outflows: 411 cfs

Okeechobee Inflows (cfs):
  S65E           1889      S65EX1            0      Fisheating Cr   428
  S154              0      S191              0      S135 Pumps        0
  S84               0      S133 Pumps        0      S2 Pumps          0
  S84X              0      S127 Pumps        0      S3 Pumps          0
  S71               0      S129 Pumps        0      S4 Pumps          0
  S72               0      S131 Pumps        0      C5                0
Total Inflows:   2317
 
Okeechobee Outflows (cfs):
  S135 Culverts    86      S354            362      S77               1
  S127 Culverts     0      S351              0      S308             -2
  S129 Culverts     0      S352              0
  S131 Culverts     0      L8 Canal Pt     -35
Total Outflows:    411

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

Remember to stay hydrated out there, folks! The Florida sun can be brutal. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Also, be mindful of the afternoon thunderstorms that can pop up quickly this time of year.

Tight lines and happy fishin’!

– Captain Joe

Disclaimer: This fishing report is based on available data and personal observations. Fishing conditions can change rapidly. Please use your best judgment and follow all local regulations.

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