Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – February 20, 2025

Howdy, folks! Captain Joe here, back with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report. With the lake sitting at 13.91 feet above sea level, it’s a bit lower than this time last year (16.41 feet) and two years ago (15.72 feet). This lower water level will definitely change up the fishing patterns, so listen up!

Weather Forecast for February 20, 2025

The forecast for today is calling for overcast skies with temperatures around 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are expected to be light out of the west at around 5 miles per hour.

How the Conditions Will Impact Fishing

Bass Fishing

With the lower water levels, bass will be concentrated in their usual haunts – deeper cuts, canals, and vegetation. Look for areas where the water clarity is a bit stained, as this will hold more baitfish. Flipping and pitching creature baits or slow-rolling spinnerbaits around these areas should produce some bites.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie love structure, and with the lower water, they’ll be holding tight to any brush piles, submerged trees, or dock pilings they can find. Vertical jigging with small jigs or minnows is the name of the game. Focus on areas near the mouths of canals or inlets where crappie might be staging.

Speck (Crappie) Fishing

Speck fishing can be a bit trickier this time of year, but they’re still out there! Look for them in deeper holes or channels where the water is a bit cooler. Live minnows under a slip bobber or small jigs worked slowly along the bottom will be your best bet.

Stay Tuned for More!

Remember, this is just a quick look at how today’s conditions might affect the fishing. Be sure to check back on Monday for my full weekly fishing report, where I’ll dive deeper into the bite and share some tips and tricks for landing the big one. Tight lines, everyone!