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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – June 18, 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 tell you what to expect out on the Big O today.

Lake Level and Water Conditions

According to the latest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers data, as of 2400 hours on June 18, 2025:

• Lake Okeechobee Elevation: 11.09 ft-NGVD
• Last Year (June 18, 2024): 13.39 ft-NGVD
• Two Years Ago (June 18, 2023): 14.16 ft-NGVD

The lake’s sitting a good bit lower than the past couple of years. This concentrates the fish a bit more, but also makes navigation tricky in some of the shallower areas. Be careful out there and know your routes!

Weather Impact on Fishing Today

The weather forecast for today, June 19th, calls for rain. We’re looking at around 4.27mm of rain (about 0.17 inches). The wind will be blowing from the east-southeast at about 4.13 meters/second (around 9.2 mph), with gusts up to 7.35 meters/second (about 16.4 mph). Temperatures will be in the low 30s Celsius (around 86-90 Fahrenheit) during the day, cooling off to the mid-20s Celsius (around 77-79 Fahrenheit) at night.

Here’s how this weather is likely to impact your fishing:

Bass Fishing

The rain and wind can make for some excellent bass fishing. Look for bass to be holding tight to cover, especially around grass lines and submerged vegetation. Topwater lures can be effective early in the morning and late in the evening. As the day progresses, switch to flipping jigs and worms into the thick stuff. The lower lake levels concentrate the bass, but also make them a bit more wary, so stealth is key.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie fishing might be a bit tougher with the wind. Try fishing deeper brush piles and submerged structures. Minnows and small jigs are your best bet. With the rain, crappie might be a bit more scattered, so be prepared to move around to find them.

Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill fishing should be decent, especially in areas with less wind. Look for them around lily pads and shallow vegetation. Crickets and worms are always a good choice. The rain might make them a bit more active, so keep an eye on your bobber!

Tips for Today

• Safety First: With the chance of rain and wind, make sure you have your rain gear and check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Navigation: Be mindful of the lower lake levels and navigate carefully, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• Adapt: Be prepared to adjust your fishing techniques based on the weather conditions.

That’s all for today’s report. Remember to check back on Monday for the full weekly fishing report. Tight lines and happy fishing!

– Captain Joe

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