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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – May 21, 2025 – Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you your daily Lake Okeechobee fishing report. 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 Okeechobee Water Levels & Conditions

Lake Okeechobee Regulation      Elevation   Last Year  2YRS Ago
                                (ft-NGVD)   (ft-NGVD)  (ft-NGVD)
  *Okeechobee Lake Elevation       11.02       13.42    13.73 (Official Elv)

The lake level is sitting at 11.02 feet. That’s down from last year (13.42 feet) and two years ago (13.73 feet). We’re definitely lower than we’d like to be this time of year. Lower water levels can concentrate the fish in certain areas, but it also makes navigation a bit trickier in some spots. Be careful out there!

Weather Impact on Fishing Today

Looks like we’re in for some wet weather today. The forecast calls for rain, about 1.8mm, with winds coming from the northeast at around 17.5 mph, gusting up to 19 mph. The high will be around 86°F, with a low around 75°F.

That rain could stir things up a bit, especially in the shallower areas. Here’s how it might affect your fishing:

Bass Fishing

The rain can be a blessing for bass fishing. It can wash insects and other forage into the lake, triggering a feeding frenzy. Focus on areas with moving water, like canals and cuts. Topwater lures and spinnerbaits can be effective in these conditions. With the wind, consider using a heavier weight to keep your bait down.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie might be a bit more finicky with the weather. They tend to move deeper when it rains. Try fishing around submerged structure or deeper channels with minnows or jigs. The wind could make boat control difficult, so consider anchoring or using a trolling motor to stay in position.

Other Species

Keep an eye out for bluegill and shellcracker bedding in the shallows. The rain might disrupt them a bit, but they’ll still be around. Worms and crickets are always a good bet for these fellas.

General Fishing Tips for Today

• Pay attention to water clarity: The rain will likely muddy up the water in some areas. Adjust your lure colors accordingly. Brighter colors like chartreuse and white can be more effective in murky water.
• Fish the edges: Focus on the edges of grass lines and other structure. Fish will often congregate in these areas, especially after a rain.
• Be patient: Fishing can be unpredictable, especially with changing weather conditions. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a bite right away. Keep trying different techniques and locations until you find what works.

That’s all for today’s report. Remember to check back on Monday for the full weekly report. Stay safe out there, and tight lines!

Your pal,
Captain Joe

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