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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – April 28, 2025

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – April 28, 2025

Ahoy there, anglers! Captain Joe here, back with another Okeechobee fishing report. Let’s dive into what’s happening on the Big O!

Lake Level and Recent Weather

As of April 27, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is at 11.44 feet NGVD. That’s a whole 2.88 feet lower than this time last year (14.32 feet) and 2.87 feet lower than two years ago (14.31 feet). Now, that’s a significant drop, folks! It’s also 2.25 feet below the historical average for this time of year.

The recent weather has been a mixed bag. We’ve had some sunshine, some clouds, and even a bit of rain. The forecast for the next few days calls for:

April 28: Clear skies, high of 85°F (29.89°C), low of 68°F (20°C), wind 13 mph (7.12 m/s) from the East.
April 29: Moderate rain, high of 81°F (27.39°C), low of 66°F (18.86°C), wind 12 mph (6.84 m/s) from the East-North-East.
April 30: Clear skies, high of 86°F (30.09°C), low of 64°F (17.87°C), wind 12 mph (6.9 m/s) from the East.
May 1: Overcast clouds, high of 87°F (30.8°C), low of 65°F (18.1°C), wind 12 mph (6.6 m/s) from the East.
May 2: Overcast clouds, high of 88°F (31.21°C), low of 68°F (19.91°C), wind 11 mph (6.25 m/s) from the East-South-East.
May 3: Moderate rain, high of 88°F (31.05°C), low of 69°F (20.39°C), wind 9 mph (4.77 m/s) from the South.
May 4: Heavy rain, high of 88°F (31.23°C), low of 67°F (19.45°C), wind 11 mph (6.44 m/s) from the East.
May 5: Light rain, high of 83°F (28.59°C), low of 68°F (19.96°C), wind 16 mph (9.15 m/s) from the East-North-East.

Fishing Forecast

With the lower water levels, the fish are concentrated in deeper areas. This can make for some exciting fishing if you know where to look! Here’s the scoop:

Largemouth Bass

The bass are likely to be hanging out in the remaining vegetation and around deeper drop-offs. Try using topwater frogs, swim jigs, and creature baits in these areas. Flipping and pitching can also be effective near any remaining cover. With the lower water, sight fishing opportunities might also present themselves, so keep your eyes peeled and your polarized glasses handy!

Crappie

Look for crappie around deeper brush piles and submerged structures. Minnows and small jigs are your best bet. The cooler mornings and evenings might bring them closer to the surface, so be prepared to adjust your tactics throughout the day.

Bluegill

Bluegill are usually found near the shoreline, but with the lower water levels, they’ll be deeper than usual. Crickets and red worms under a bobber are a classic choice. Target areas with remaining vegetation or near any submerged structure.

Well, there you have it, folks! The Big O is always full of surprises, so get out there and see what you can catch. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be respectful of the lake and its inhabitants. Tight lines and good luck!

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