Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – April 23, 2025
Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, back with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report. The lake’s been actin’ a little different lately, so let’s dive into what’s happening and how it’s gonna affect your fishing.
Lake Okeechobee Water Levels
The Army Corps of Engineers has the lake sitting at 11.67 feet NGVD as of April 22, 2025. That’s a good bit lower than last year’s 14.60 feet and the 14.29 feet we saw two years back. It’s also well below the historical average for this time of year (13.81 feet). This lower water level is concentrating the fish, making ’em easier to find, but it also changes where they’re hangin’ out.
Weather Forecast and Impact on Fishing
The weather forecast for today, April 23rd, calls for clear skies with a high of 85°F (29°C) and a low of 71°F (22°C). The wind will be blowin’ out of the east at around 15 mph (7 m/s). This clear, warm weather combined with the east wind should make for some good sight fishing opportunities, especially along the western shoreline where the wind will be pushin’ baitfish.
Fishing Forecast
Largemouth Bass: With the lower water and warmer temperatures, the bass are movin’ shallow. Look for ’em around the edges of the grass lines and near any remaining vegetation. Topwater frogs, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs should all be productive. Flipping and pitching creature baits into thicker cover can also be a good way to entice those bigger bites.
Crappie: The crappie bite is still good, but you’ll need to find deeper water near submerged structure. Minnows and small jigs fished vertically will be your best bet. Look for areas near the Kissimmee River and along the edges of the lake’s deeper channels.
Speckled Perch (Speck): The specks are starting to transition to their summer patterns. Look for ’em in deeper holes and along the edges of the grass lines. Small jigs and live minnows fished under a cork are the way to go.
Final Thoughts
Even with the lower water levels, Lake Okeechobee is still fishin’ well. Just remember to adjust your tactics based on the conditions and you’ll be sure to have a successful day on the water. Tight lines, y’all!
