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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Water Levels Down, But Don’t Let That Sink Your Spirits!

Howdy, folks! Captain Joe here, your trusty guide to all things fishy on Lake Okeechobee. Let’s dive right into what’s happening on the Big O as of May 19, 2025.

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels: A Little Lower Than We Like

Alright, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released their latest report, and here’s the skinny: Lake Okeechobee’s official elevation is sitting at 11.14 feet NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum). Now, that’s a bit lower than what we’ve seen in recent years. Last year on this day, we were riding high at 13.56 feet, and the year before that, 13.79 feet. That’s a difference of 2.42 feet and 2.65 feet respectively.

The historical average for this time of year (1965-2007) is 13.25 feet, so we’re currently 2.11 feet below that average. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Captain Joe, does this mean the fish have packed their bags and moved to the Gulf?” Well, hold your horses! Lower water levels can concentrate the fish, making them easier to find if you know where to look. We just gotta adjust our strategy a bit.

What Does This Mean for Fishing?

Here’s how these water levels might impact your fishing experience on Lake Okeechobee:

• Bass Fishing: With the water levels down, look for bass to be holding around remaining vegetation and structure. Points, canals, and submerged grass lines will be your best bet. The bass will be more concentrated, so when you find them, you can really load the boat.
• Crappie Fishing: Crappie tend to congregate in deeper areas when the water levels drop. Focus on the Kissimmee River and deeper canals. Minnows and jigs are your friends!
• Navigation: Be extra careful navigating the lake. The navigation depth on Route 1 is about 5.08 feet and Route 2 is about 3.28 feet. Keep an eye out for shallow spots and submerged obstacles.

Okeechobee Weather Forecast: Sunshine and Slight Breezes Ahead!

Now, let’s peek at the weather forecast for the next few days. Knowing what Mother Nature has in store is crucial for a successful fishing trip.

• Tuesday, May 20: Partly cloudy with a high of 94°F (34.2°C) and a low of 76°F (24.7°C). Wind from the Southwest (230 degrees) at 10.7 mph (4.8 m/s), with gusts up to 16.9 mph (7.5 m/s).
• Wednesday, May 21: Clear skies with a high of 95°F (35°C) and a low of 74°F (23°C). Wind from the Southwest (235 degrees) at 10.6 mph (4.7 m/s), with gusts up to 22.3 mph (10 m/s).
• Thursday, May 22: Broken clouds with a high of 93°F (34°C) and a low of 73°F (23°C). Wind from the Northeast (29 degrees) at 14.8 mph (6.6 m/s), with gusts up to 22.2 mph (10 m/s).
• Friday, May 23: Overcast clouds with a high of 93°F (34°C) and a low of 75°F (24°C). Wind from the West (256 degrees) at 13.7 mph (6.1 m/s), with gusts up to 23.1 mph (10 m/s).
• Saturday, May 24: Clear skies with a high of 95°F (35°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C). Wind from the East (70 degrees) at 16.9 mph (7.6 m/s), with gusts up to 21.1 mph (9 m/s).
• Sunday, May 25: Partly cloudy with a high of 91°F (33°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C). Wind from the East (75 degrees) at 16.0 mph (7.2 m/s), with gusts up to 19.6 mph (9 m/s).
• Monday, May 26: Clear skies with a high of 92°F (33°C) and a low of 71°F (22°C). Wind from the East (84 degrees) at 16.3 mph (7.3 m/s), with gusts up to 22.9 mph (10 m/s).

With mostly clear skies and moderate winds, it looks like a great week to be on the water! Remember to bring your sunscreen, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on those afternoon thunderstorms that can pop up outta nowhere.

Captain Joe’s Hot Tips for the Week

• Early Bird Gets the Worm (or the Bass): Get out on the lake early before the sun gets too high and the fish get sluggish.
• Lipless Crankbaits: Throw a lipless crankbait over submerged grass.
• Live Bait: Never underestimate the power of a live shiner for bass.

That’s all for this week’s report, folks! Remember to check back next week for more updates on Lake Okeechobee. Tight lines and happy fishing!

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