Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – May 4, 2025

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, back with your Lake Okeechobee fishing update. The lake’s been seein’ some changes lately, and that always means a shift in the fishin’ patterns. Let’s dive into what you can expect out on the water today.

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels

The lake’s currently sittin’ at 11.19 feet NGVD. That’s a good bit lower than last year’s 14.12 feet and the 14.24 feet we saw two years back this time. It’s also below the historical average for this time of year. This lower water concentrates the fish and can make for some exciting action if you know where to look.

Weather Forecast and Impact on Fishing

We’re lookin’ at some light rain this afternoon with a high of 83°F (28.5°C) and a low of 76°F (24.3°C). The wind’s gonna be blowin’ out of the west-southwest at around 14 mph (6.31 m/s), with gusts up to 20 mph (11.44 m/s). That little bit of rain might stir up the fish and get ’em bitin’, but that wind could make it a bit choppy out there, especially in the open water. Best to stick to more protected areas or use a trolling motor to hold your position.

Fishing Forecast

Largemouth Bass: With the lower water levels, the bass are gonna be holdin’ tight to cover. Look for ’em around the edges of the vegetation, near submerged structure, and in any remaining deeper holes. Flipping and pitching creature baits or slow-rollin’ spinnerbaits should do the trick.

Crappie: The crappie bite can be a bit tricky this time of year, but with the lower water, they’ll likely be schooled up around deeper brush piles and other structure. Try using minnows or small jigs vertically presented.

Bluegill: Bluegill are always a fun option on Okeechobee. They’ll be hangin’ around the shallows, especially near vegetation. Crickets, worms, or small beetle spins will get their attention.

Seasonal Patterns

May is typically a transition month on Lake Okeechobee. The spawn is windin’ down for most species, and the fish are starting to move into their summer patterns. This can make for some unpredictable fishing, but also some great opportunities to catch a variety of fish.

That’s the report for today, folks. Remember to stay safe out there, and tight lines!