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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – August 22, 2025 – With Captain Joe

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

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels & Conditions

As of today, August 22, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is sitting at 12.23 feet NGVD. That’s down a bit from last year (14.11 feet) and quite a bit lower than two years ago (15.36 feet). We’re also sitting about 1.84 feet below the historical average for this time of year. Navigation depth on Route 1 is about 6.17 feet and Route 2 is 4.37 feet.

Here’s a quick look at the inflows and outflows:

* **Total Inflows:** 2735 cfs
* **Total Outflows:** 647 cfs

Looks like we’re gaining a little more than we’re losing, but not by a whole lot.

Weather Impact on Fishing

The weather forecast for today is calling for rain. We’re looking at about 5.79mm of rain. Winds are coming from the west-southwest at around 14 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph. The high for the day is around 83°F, with a low around 76°F.

Now, how’s this gonna affect your fishing? Let’s break it down:

Bass Fishing

With the rain and wind, bass are likely to be holding tighter to cover. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, docks, and any other structure that provides shelter. Topwater baits early in the morning before the heavy rain starts could be productive. As the rain picks up, switch to slower-moving baits like Texas-rigged worms or jigs worked around the edges of cover. The lower water level means less flooded vegetation, so target the remaining areas carefully. Okeechobee Bass Fishing is always a good time!

Crappie Fishing

Crappie will likely be a bit scattered with the weather. Look for them around deeper structure like bridge pilings and submerged trees. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. The wind might make boat control a challenge, so consider fishing from a protected area or using a trolling motor to maintain your position. Okeechobee Crappie Fishing can be great even in tough conditions.

Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill might be a bit tougher to find with the rain, but they’ll still be around. Focus on areas with shallow vegetation and use live bait like crickets or worms. The wind could make it difficult to detect subtle bites, so pay close attention to your line. Okeechobee Bluegill Fishing is a classic for a reason!

Catfish Fishing

Catfish love a good rain! The increased runoff can wash food into the lake, attracting catfish to areas near creek mouths and canals. Use stink baits, cut bait, or live bait fished on the bottom. The wind might help disperse your scent, making it easier to attract catfish from a distance. Okeechobee Catfish Fishing is always a good bet after a rain.

General Tips for Today

* **Safety First:** With the wind and rain, make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and wear appropriate rain gear.
* **Adjust Your Presentation:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and techniques to find what the fish are responding to.
* **Fish the Conditions:** Focus on areas that offer protection from the wind and rain.

That’s all for today’s report, folks. Remember to check back on Monday for the full weekly fishing report. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Tight lines and safe fishing!

Captain Joe

OkeechobeeFishingReport.com

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