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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – June 16, 2025 – Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here with your daily fishing report for Lake Okeechobee. Let’s dive right into what’s happening on the Big O today.

Lake Level and Weather Conditions

The lake level is currently at 11.17 feet. That’s about 2.22 feet lower than this time last year and 2.92 feet lower than two years ago. We’re also about 2.01 feet below the period of record average. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, as it affects where the fish are holding.

Today’s weather is clear with a light breeze from the east-southeast at around 13 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph. The high for the day is expected to be around 89 degrees Fahrenheit, with a low around 79 degrees. It’s summertime in Florida, so expect it to be hot and humid!

How It’s Impacting the Fishing

With the lake level being lower than average, the fish are more concentrated in the deeper areas and around any remaining vegetation. Here’s a breakdown by species:

Bass Fishing

The bass fishing is fair. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation and deeper water near the Kissimmee River and aroundObservation Island. Topwater lures early in the morning and late in the evening can be productive. As the day heats up, switch to flipping jigs and worms around heavy cover. The lower water levels mean the bass are less spread out, but you’ll need to work a bit harder to find them.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie fishing is slow. With the warmer water, crappie have moved to deeper, cooler areas. Try fishing around submerged structures and deeper channels with minnows or jigs. Early morning and late evening will be your best bet.

Catfish Fishing

Catfish fishing remains good. With the inflows from S65E at 327 cfs, there’s plenty of fresh water moving in, attracting catfish. Use stink baits, cut bait, or live bait on the bottom in the deeper areas of the lake. Fishing at night will be your most productive time.

Tips for the Day

• Stay Hydrated: It’s hot out there, so drink plenty of water.
• Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Fish Early and Late: The bite will be better during the cooler parts of the day.
• Adjust Your Tactics: Be prepared to change your approach based on the conditions.

That’s all for today’s report. Get out there and enjoy the Big O, and remember to practice catch and release to help preserve our fishery. Tight lines!

– Captain Joe

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