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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – April 14, 2025

Ahoy there, anglers! Captain Joe here, ready to give you the lowdown on what’s happening on Lake Okeechobee. The Big O is keepin’ us on our toes, as always, so let’s dive into the latest and greatest.

Lake Level and Recent Weather

As of April 14, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is at a modest 12.08 feet NGVD. Now, that’s a whole heap lower than this time last year (14.90 feet) and two years ago (14.22 feet). We’re almost two feet below the historical average for this time of year (14.02 feet). This lower water level concentrates the fish and can make for some exciting fishing, but it also means you gotta be extra careful navigating those shallow areas. Don’t want to end up high and dry like a catfish in a sunbeam!

Mother Nature has been playing it cool lately, with some recent rain recorded at the S77 structure (1.49 inches in the last 24 hours). The wind has been variable, but generally light. The forecast for the next few days calls for clear skies and warm temperatures, with highs in the high 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit (around 30 Celsius for you fancy folks). Winds are expected to remain light, generally out of the east and southeast, picking up a bit by the weekend.

Fishing Forecast

With the lower water level and warming temperatures, the fish are gettin’ active. Here’s what you can expect:

Largemouth Bass

The bass are movin’ shallow to spawn, so focus your efforts around the edges of the lake, near vegetation and submerged structure. Topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits should all be productive. Flipping and pitching creature baits or senkos into the thicker cover can also entice those big lunkers.

Crappie

The crappie bite is pickin’ up, especially around the deeper holes and channels. Minnows and small jigs are your best bet. Try using a slow retrieve or vertical jigging technique.

Bluegill

Bluegill are always a fun target on Lake Okeechobee, and they’re starting to bed in the shallows. Look for them near the shoreline and in protected coves. Crickets, worms, and small beetle spins are all effective baits.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

With the lower water levels, be sure to check the latest navigation charts and exercise caution when boating on Lake Okeechobee. Those hidden stumps and sandbars can ruin your day quicker than a gator can snatch a fishin’ rod! And don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray – those Florida critters can be mighty persistent.

Tight lines, y’all!

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