Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – April 22, 2025
Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, back with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for April 22, 2025. The lake’s been actin’ a little different lately, so let’s dive into what that means for our fishin’.
Lake Okeechobee Water Level
The Big O’s water level is currently sittin’ at 11.72 feet NGVD. That’s a good bit lower than last year’s 14.64 feet and the 14.30 feet we saw two years ago on this date. It’s also well below the historical average for this time of year (13.84 feet). This lower water level concentrates the fish and changes their behavior, so we gotta adjust our tactics accordingly.
Weather Forecast and Impact on Fishing
The forecast for today calls for overcast skies with a high of 83°F and a low of 71°F. The wind will be blowin’ out of the east at around 15 mph. These conditions will definitely play a role in where the fish are holdin’ up and how they’re bitin’.
Bass Fishing
With the lower water level, the bass are gonna be concentrated in the remaining vegetation and along the edges of the drop-offs. Flipping and pitching creature baits or using spinnerbaits and swim jigs around the thicker cover should produce some bites. The wind will also push baitfish and bass towards the shorelines, creating some good opportunities for topwater action early in the morning.
Crappie and Speckled Perch Fishing
The crappie and specks are also affected by the lower water. They’ll be schooled up tighter, likely near deeper holes and channels. Using live minnows or small jigs under a bobber around these areas is your best bet. The wind can make it a little tricky to fish these light presentations, so look for more protected areas or adjust your bobber stop accordingly.
Overall Fishing Outlook
Even with the lower water level, Lake Okeechobee still offers plenty of fishin’ opportunities. Just remember to adapt your techniques to the current conditions. Focus on areas where fish are likely to concentrate, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different lures and presentations. Good luck out there, and tight lines!
