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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – May 16, 2025 – With Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you your daily dose of what’s happening on Lake Okeechobee. Been fishin’ these waters for longer than I care to admit, and I’m here to give you the straight scoop.

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels & Conditions

Lake Okeechobee Regulation      Elevation   Last Year  2YRS Ago
                                (ft-NGVD)   (ft-NGVD)  (ft-NGVD)
  *Okeechobee Lake Elevation       11.17       13.65    13.85 (Official Elv)

The lake’s sitting at 11.17 feet. That’s a good bit lower than last year (13.65 feet) and the year before (13.85 feet). We’re about 2.12 feet below the long-term average for this time of year. This lower water level is definitely impacting where the fish are holding, so pay attention to those deeper pockets and edges of the grass.

Weather Impact on Fishing Today

Looks like we’ve got overcast skies today, with a breeze coming out of the southeast (around 10 mph, gusting to 17 mph). The high is expected to be around 92°F, with a low around 72°F. Those overcast conditions can sometimes make for some good fishing, especially for bass.

Fishing Forecast by Species

Bass Fishing

With the overcast skies and moderate winds, look for the bass to be active. They’ll likely be holding around submerged vegetation and structure. Topwater baits early in the morning could be productive. As the day warms up, switch to flipping jigs and worms around the grass. The lower water levels mean you’ll want to focus on areas where the water is a bit deeper near those grass lines. Target areas near the Kissimmee River and the Harney Pond Canal.

Crappie (Speck) Fishing

The crappie fishing might be a bit tougher with the overcast conditions. Try trolling jigs or minnows in the deeper channels and around bridge pilings. Look for areas with submerged structure where they can hide. The lower water levels might concentrate them a bit more, so keep moving until you find a school.

Bluegill and Shellcracker Fishing

The bluegill and shellcracker should still be biting, especially around the full moon. Look for them in the shallow, grassy areas and around lily pads. Crickets and worms are always a good bet. With the lower water, they might be a little more concentrated in the remaining vegetation.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your bait presentation. The fish can be finicky, so try different retrieves and depths until you find what they want. And always, always practice catch and release to help keep our lake healthy for generations to come.

Tight lines, y’all!

– Captain Joe

Disclaimer: This report is based on observations and data available at the time of writing. Fishing conditions can change rapidly. Always check local regulations and weather conditions before heading out.

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