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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Water Levels Down, But Don’t Let That Dampen Your Line! (May 26, 2025)

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Water Levels Down, But Don’t Let That Dampen Your Line! (May 26, 2025)

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. Now, I ain’t gonna lie, the water levels are a bit lower than we’d like to see, but that doesn’t mean the fishin’ is bad. It just means we gotta be a little smarter about how we approach ’em.

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels: What’s the Deal?

As of today, May 26, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is at 10.94 feet NGVD. Now, for those of you who don’t speak engineer, that means it’s lower than last year (13.20 feet) and two years ago (13.81 feet). We’re talkin’ a difference of 2.26 feet from last year and 2.87 feet from two years ago! That’s a good bit of water gone, folks. It’s also below the period of record average for this time of year, sitting 2.21 feet below that average.

What does this mean for you, the angler? Well, the fish are gonna be a little more concentrated, especially around those remaining submerged vegetation and structure. Think of it like a crowded dance floor – everyone’s closer together! Also, be mindful of navigation depths, especially if you’re running a bigger boat. Route 1 is sittin’ at 4.88 feet, and Route 2 is even shallower at 3.08 feet. Don’t wanna end up high-centered like a gator on a speed bump!

Okeechobee Inflows and Outflows: Where’s the Water Going?

Currently, inflows are at 1153 cfs (cubic feet per second), while outflows are higher at 1496 cfs. That means more water is leaving the lake than coming in. The biggest inflow is from S65E at 312 cfs, and S84 at 616 cfs. The biggest outflows are S351 at 685 cfs and S352 at 364 cfs. We need some rain, folks, plain and simple!

Okeechobee Weather Forecast: Will We Get Some Relief?

Let’s take a peek at what Mother Nature has in store for us this week. Looks like we’re in for a bit of a wet spell, which could help those water levels some. Here’s the breakdown:

Tuesday, May 27: Moderate rain, with temperatures ranging from 72°F to 94°F (22.16°C to 34.15°C). Wind from the Southwest (213 degrees) at 11 mph (4.86 m/s), gusting to 18 mph (7.98 m/s).
Wednesday, May 28: Moderate rain, with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 93°F (23.47°C to 33.75°C). Wind from the East-Southeast (132 degrees) at 8 mph (3.75 m/s), gusting to 12 mph (5.42 m/s).
Thursday, May 29: Light rain, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 92°F (24.79°C to 33.35°C). Wind from the East-Southeast (164 degrees) at 15 mph (6.53 m/s), gusting to 20 mph (8.94 m/s).
Friday, May 30: Light rain, with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 91°F (23.65°C to 32.78°C). Wind from the Southwest (206 degrees) at 10 mph (4.29 m/s), gusting to 17 mph (7.45 m/s).
Saturday, May 31: Moderate rain, with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 81°F (23.28°C to 27.41°C). Wind from the Northwest (321 degrees) at 14 mph (6.32 m/s), gusting to 19 mph (8.4 m/s).
Sunday, June 1: Moderate rain, with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 87°F (23.27°C to 30.41°C). Wind from the Southwest (210 degrees) at 10 mph (4.64 m/s), gusting to 14 mph (6.36 m/s).
Monday, June 2: Heavy intensity rain, with temperatures ranging from 69°F to 91°F (20.5°C to 32.94°C). Wind from the East (89 degrees) at 10 mph (4.61 m/s), gusting to 12 mph (5.59 m/s).

Looks like we’re gonna get a good soakin’, folks! Hopefully, that’ll help bring the lake levels up a bit. Just remember to pack your rain gear and be careful out there on the water.

How This Impacts Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. How does all this affect the fishin’?

Bass: With the lower water levels, bass are likely to be concentrated in areas with remaining vegetation and structure. Focus on flipping and pitching around hydrilla, reeds, and submerged trees. Topwater action might be good early in the morning and late in the evening. With the rain coming, expect the bass to move into shallower areas as the water rises slightly.
Crappie (Speck): Speck fishing can still be productive, especially around bridge pilings and deeper structure. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. The rain might scatter them a bit, so be prepared to move around to find ’em.
Bluegill and Shellcracker: These panfish will be bedding in the shallows, especially after a good rain. Crickets and worms are the ticket here. Look for them around lily pads and other vegetation.
Catfish: Catfishin’ is always good on Okeechobee! Fish the deeper channels and canals with stink bait or live bait. The rain will wash more food into the lake, so they’ll be actively feeding.

Captain Joe’s Hot Tips for the Week

Go Early (or Late): Beat the heat and the crowds by fishin’ early in the mornin’ or late in the evenin’.
Use Your Electronics: Find those submerged structures and vegetation where the fish are hiding.
Adjust Your Presentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and techniques until you find what the fish want.
Stay Hydrated: It’s hot out there, folks! Drink plenty of water to stay healthy and focused.
Be Safe: Check the weather forecast before you go, wear your life jacket, and let someone know where you’re going.

Well, that’s the scoop from Captain Joe. Tight lines and happy fishin’, y’all! And remember, even if the water’s down, the spirit of Okeechobee is always up!

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