“`html

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – May 13, 2025 – Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you your daily fishing report for Lake Okeechobee. Been fishin’ these waters for longer than I care to admit, and I’m here to tell you what’s bitin’ and what ain’t.

Lake Level and Weather Conditions

As of today, May 13, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is at 11.19 feet. That’s down from last year’s 13.72 feet and even further from the year before at 13.95 feet. We’re also sitting about 2.13 feet below the historical average for this time of year. Keep an eye on those levels, folks, as they can change quick.

The weather forecast for today is clear skies with a light breeze from the east-southeast (around 11 mph with gusts up to 20 mph). The high for today is expected to be around 89 degrees Fahrenheit, with a low around 76 degrees. It’s shaping up to be a warm one out there!

How It’s Impacting the Fishing

With the lake level being lower than usual and the weather warming up, here’s how it’s affecting the different species:

Bass Fishing

The lower water levels are concentrating the bass in certain areas, particularly around remaining vegetation and submerged structure. Look for ’em in the Kissimmee River, around Bird Island, and in the grass flats near Clewiston. Topwater lures early in the morning and late in the evening are always a good bet. As the day heats up, switch to flipping jigs and worms around heavy cover. With the warmer weather, they’re becoming more active in the early morning and late evening.

Crappie Fishing (Speckled Perch)

Crappie fishing is slowing down a bit as they move to deeper water to escape the heat. Try fishing around submerged brush piles and deeper channels with minnows or small jigs. Early morning and late evening will be your best bet. Look for them near the Harney Pond Canal and in the deeper areas of the lake near Indian Prairie.

Catfish Fishing

Catfish are always a reliable target, and the warmer weather has them on the move. Fish the deeper holes and channels with stink bait, cut bait, or live bait. The flats near Okeechobee city are always a good bet. Night fishing is particularly productive this time of year.

Inflows and Outflows

Total inflows into the lake are at 943 cfs, with the S65E contributing 206 cfs and the S71 contributing 392 cfs. Outflows are currently not fully reported due to missing data, but keep an eye on those S77 and S308 structures.

That’s all for today’s report, folks. Remember to stay safe out there, wear your life jacket, and tight lines!

Tight lines and happy fishin’,

Captain Joe

OkeechobeeFishingReport.com

“`