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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Captain Joe’s Daily Update – May 28, 2025

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – May 28, 2025 – Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here with your daily dose of what’s happening on Lake Okeechobee. Let’s dive right into it – the water’s calling!

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels

Lake Okeechobee Elevation: 10.97 ft-NGVD
Last Year (May 28, 2024): 13.10 ft-NGVD
Two Years Ago (May 28, 2023): 13.90 ft-NGVD
Navigation Depth Route 1: 4.91′
Navigation Depth Route 2: 3.11′

The lake’s sitting a good bit lower than the past couple of years. Keep that in mind when you’re navigating, especially in those shallower areas. Always be mindful of the depth and watch out for submerged vegetation and sandbars.

Weather Outlook

Looks like we’ve got some weather moving in. Here’s what the forecast is showing:

Rain: Expect about 0.18 inches of rain today.
Wind: Coming from the Southeast (147 degrees) at around 9 mph, with gusts up to 15.6 mph.
Temperature: High around 90°F, low around 79°F.
Conditions: Light rain

That wind could make things a little choppy out there, so be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride. Keep an eye on the sky and be ready to head back to shore if things get too rough. The rain might scatter the fish a bit, but it could also trigger some feeding activity.

Fishing Forecast

Bass Fishing

With the lake level down and the incoming rain, the bass might be holding tighter to cover. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, like hydrilla and Kissimmee grass. Topwater lures early in the morning or late in the evening could be productive. As the day warms up, switch to flipping jigs or using Texas-rigged worms around the edges of the vegetation. The wind could push baitfish into certain areas, so keep an eye out for those concentrations.

Key Areas: Look for bass around Observation Island, King’s Bar, and the South Bay area.

Crappie Fishing

The crappie bite might be a little tougher with the weather moving in. Try fishing around submerged structure in deeper water. Minnows and small jigs are always a good bet. With the wind, drifting can be effective, but be sure to control your boat speed. The lower water levels might concentrate the crappie in certain areas, so keep moving until you find them.

Key Areas: Try around the Kissimmee River channel and any deeper holes you can find.

Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill fishing should still be decent, especially in the canals and around lily pads. Crickets and worms are the go-to baits. The rain might encourage them to move into shallower water, so don’t be afraid to fish close to the bank. Look for areas with less wind to make it easier to present your bait.

Key Areas: Check out the canals near Okeechobee City and any sheltered coves.

General Tips for Lake Okeechobee

Stay Hydrated: It’s gonna be a warm one, so drink plenty of water.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Safety First: Always wear a life jacket and be aware of your surroundings.
Check Your Gear: Make sure your equipment is in good working order before you head out.

That’s all for today’s report, folks. Tight lines and be safe out there!

– Captain Joe

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