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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – June 9th, 2025 – Captain Joe

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 Level and Water Conditions

As of today, June 9th, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is sitting at 11.16 feet. That’s about 1.47 feet lower than this time last year and a good 2.86 feet lower than two years ago. We’re below the period of record average by about 1.99 feet. The lake level hasn’t changed much over the last week, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

Navigation depths are still a concern. Route 1 is around 5.10 feet, and Route 2 is only about 3.30 feet. Be careful out there and know your boat’s draft!

Weather Impact on Fishing

The weather forecast for today is calling for light rain. We’re looking at about 1.05mm of rain. The wind is coming from the southeast at around 12 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The temperature will be around 87°F during the day, dropping to about 79°F at night.

Bass Fishing

With the lake level being lower than average, bass are likely to be concentrated in areas with remaining vegetation and near structures. The light rain and wind could make for a good topwater bite early in the morning. Focus on areas with hydrilla, reeds, and Kissimmee grass. Use your favorite topwater lures, like frogs and buzzbaits, or try flipping jigs and worms around heavy cover. The lower water levels are concentrating the fish, making them easier to target if you know where to look.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie fishing can be a bit tougher with the wind, but it’s still doable. Look for crappie around submerged structures and deeper channels. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. With the rain, they might be a little more active, seeking shelter near docks and brush piles. The key is to find areas out of the wind where you can present your bait effectively.

Other Species

Don’t forget about the bluegill and shellcracker! They’ll be bedding in the shallows, especially with the warmer temperatures. Crickets and worms are always a good choice for these fellas. Catfish will also be active, especially after the rain. Try fishing with cut bait or stink bait near the bottom.

Inflows and Outflows

Total inflows to the lake are around 559 cfs, with the S65E and S65EX1 contributing the most. Outflows are at -148 cfs, primarily through the S308. This means the lake is slowly gaining water, but not by much.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

Keep an eye on the wind direction and adjust your fishing spots accordingly. The wind can make it tough to fish certain areas, but it can also concentrate fish in others. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and techniques until you find what’s working. Good luck out there, and tight lines!

Until next time, y’all be safe and happy fishin’!

– Captain Joe

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