Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report for February 25, 2025

Howdy, folks! Captain Joe here, back with your daily Lake Okeechobee fishing report. It’s February 25th, 2025, and the Big O is seein’ some interesting conditions. Let’s dive right in.

Lake Levels and Weather Impact

First off, the Army Corps has Lake Okeechobee sittin’ at 13.72 feet above sea level. That’s a good bit lower than last year’s 16.28 feet and the 15.63 feet we saw two years ago. This lower water level concentrates the fish, makin’ ’em a tad easier to find.

Now, the weatherman’s callin’ for some heavy rain today – around 7.22 inches! That’s gonna stir things up for sure. The wind’s blowin’ from the northwest at a decent clip too.

Fishin’ Forecast

So, how’s all this affect our finned friends? Well, here’s my take:

Bass Fishin’

The bass should be movin’ shallow with the rain and warmer water. Look for ’em around the edges of grass beds and near any flowing water. Spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and topwater frogs should all be good choices.

Crappie (Speck) Fishin’

The crappie bite might slow down a bit with the changing conditions. They prefer stable water. But, you can still find ’em huddled up in deeper water near brush piles or other structure. Use minnows or small jigs.

Bluegill and Shellcracker

These panfish love the warmer water, so the rain could actually improve the bite. Look for ’em in shallow, weedy areas. Crickets, worms, and small jigs will all work.

Captain Joe’s Tips

• With all the rain, be extra careful out there. The lake can get choppy fast.
• The fish might be a bit scattered with the changing conditions, so be patient and cover some water.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lures and techniques until you find what’s workin’.

That’s it for today’s report. Remember, this is just a quick look at the conditions. Check back on Monday for my full weekly fishing report. Tight lines, y’all!