“`html

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – May 19, 2025

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

As of today, May 19, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s elevation is at 11.12 feet NGVD. That’s down from last year’s 13.52 feet and even further from the year before at 13.77 feet. We’re sitting about 2.12 feet below the historical average for this time of year. The lake level has decreased slightly over the past few days, down 0.02 feet from yesterday.

The inflows are at 243 cfs, while outflows are significantly higher at 1631 cfs. This means the lake is continuing to slowly drain.

Weather Impact on Fishing Today

The forecast for today, May 20th, calls for broken clouds with a breeze coming from the east-southeast (around 9.7 mph), with gusts up to 19.8 mph. Temperatures will be warm, with daytime highs around 92°F and nighttime lows around 80°F.

How This Affects Your Fishing Trip

Bass Fishing

With the lake levels continuing to drop, the bass are likely to be concentrating around remaining vegetation and structure. Look for them in areas with hydrilla, Kissimmee grass, and lily pads. The broken clouds today should provide some relief from the sun, making for decent topwater action early and late in the day. Try throwing frogs, buzzbaits, and swimbaits in the shallows. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping jigs and worms around heavy cover. The wind could make boat control a little tricky, so be prepared to adjust your tactics accordingly. Focus on areas where the wind is blowing into, as this can concentrate baitfish and, in turn, the bass.

Consider using darker colored lures in stained water and brighter colors in clearer water. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different retrieves to see what the bass are keying on.

Crappie (Speck) Fishing

The crappie fishing is still decent, but you’ll need to work for them. With the warmer water temperatures, they’ve likely moved a bit deeper. Try trolling or drifting jigs and minnows around submerged structure and brush piles in the main lake. The wind could help with your drift, but be sure to use a drift sock to slow down if needed. Look for areas with slightly cooler water, as this is where the crappie will congregate.

Live minnows are always a good bet, but don’t overlook small jigs in white, chartreuse, and pink. Vary your presentation until you find what the fish want.

Bluegill and Shellcracker

The bluegill and shellcracker bite should be picking up with the warmer weather. Look for them in shallow, weedy areas near spawning beds. Crickets and worms are your best bet for bait. Fish around lily pads, reeds, and other vegetation. These panfish are great for a relaxing day on the water and make for a tasty fish fry!

Catfish

Catfishing remains consistent. Use stinkbaits, cut bait, or live bait on the bottom in deeper channels and around structure. Night fishing can be particularly productive this time of year.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

Don’t be afraid to move around! If you’re not getting bites in one spot, try another. Lake Okeechobee is a big lake, and the fish are always on the move. Pay attention to your electronics and look for areas with baitfish and structure. Good luck out there, and tight lines!

Until next time,

Captain Joe

OkeechobeeFishingReport.com – Your daily source for Lake Okeechobee fishing information.

“`