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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – July 1, 2025 – Captain Joe

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

Lake Level and Weather Conditions

According to the latest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers data, the lake level is currently at 11.17 feet NGVD. That’s down from last year’s level of 13.45 feet and significantly lower than the 14.64 feet we saw two years ago. We’re also sitting about 2.22 feet below the historical average for this time of year.

We’ve had some rain recently, with the Okeechobee average rainfall at 2.17 inches for today. The forecast calls for more rain today, with heavy intensity rain expected. Winds will be coming from the southeast at around 9 m/s (20 mph) with gusts up to 11 m/s (25 mph). The high for today is expected to be around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), with a low of 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) tonight.

How This Affects Fishing

With the lake level being lower than usual and the recent heavy rains, here’s how I reckon it’ll impact your fishing today:

Bass Fishing

The lower water levels concentrate the bass in certain areas, particularly around submerged vegetation and deeper channels. The heavy rain will likely muddy up the water in some areas, so consider using lures with good vibration and profile, like spinnerbaits or crankbaits, to help the bass find them. Topwater action might be good early in the morning before the rain really gets going. Focus on areas with good cover and moving water.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie tend to move deeper when the water is muddy, so try fishing around deeper structures like brush piles or bridge pilings. Jigs and minnows are always a good bet. With the wind picking up, you might want to find a sheltered area to make it easier to present your bait.

Catfish Fishing

Catfish love muddy water! The rain will wash a lot of scent into the lake, which will attract catfish. Use stink baits, cut bait, or live bait near the bottom. Focus on areas near creek mouths or canals where the runoff is flowing into the lake.

General Tips for Today

• Safety First: With the heavy rain and wind, make sure your boat is properly equipped and that you’re aware of the weather conditions.
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to change your tactics based on the conditions. If one spot isn’t working, move to another.
• Check Your Gear: Make sure your lines are in good shape and your hooks are sharp.

That’s all for today’s report. Tight lines and stay safe out there!

Tight lines,
Captain Joe

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