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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – July 5, 2025 – Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you your daily Lake Okeechobee fishing report. Been fishin’ these waters for longer than I care to admit, and I’ve seen it all. Let’s get right to it.

Lake Level and Water Conditions

As of today, July 5th, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s elevation is at 11.39 feet NGVD. That’s down a bit from yesterday (11.36 feet) and significantly lower than last year (13.51 feet) and two years ago (14.69 feet). We’re also sitting a good 2.09 feet below the historical average for this time of year. The lake is definitely lower than we’d like to see, but that can concentrate the fish in certain areas.

Here’s a quick look at the lake levels at various points:

• L001: 11.58 ft
• L005: 11.38 ft
• L006: 11.34 ft
• LZ40: 11.37 ft
• S4: 11.12 ft
• S308: 11.36 ft
• S133: 11.50 ft

Weather Impact on Fishing

The forecast for tomorrow, July 6th, calls for rain, about 1.66mm. That’s about 0.065 inches. The wind will be coming from the west-southwest at around 13 mph, with gusts up to 19 mph. Temperatures will be in the high 80s during the day and mid 70s at night.

This kind of weather can stir things up a bit. The rain can muddy the water in some areas, but it can also bring cooler, oxygenated water, which can get the fish moving.

Fishing Forecast

Bass Fishing

With the lake level down and the rain coming in, look for bass to be holding around submerged vegetation and any available cover. The wind could make it tough to fish some areas, so try to find spots that are sheltered. Topwater baits early in the morning could be productive, especially if the rain holds off. As the day warms up, switch to flipping jigs and worms around heavy cover. Focus on areas near the Kissimmee River and the south end of the lake.

Key Strategies:

• Target: Submerged vegetation, lily pads, and reeds.
• Lures: Topwater baits, jigs, and worms.
• Techniques: Flipping and pitching around heavy cover.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie fishing might be a bit tougher with the wind, but if you can find some sheltered areas with brush piles or submerged trees, it’s worth a shot. Minnows and jigs are always a good bet. Look for crappie to be holding a little deeper than usual.

Key Strategies:

• Target: Brush piles and submerged trees.
• Lures: Minnows and jigs.
• Techniques: Vertical jigging and slow trolling.

Bluegill and Shellcracker

Bluegill and shellcracker should still be biting, especially around the full moon. Crickets and worms fished near the shoreline vegetation are your best bet. The rain might make them a little more active.

Key Strategies:

• Target: Shoreline vegetation and shallow areas.
• Lures: Crickets and worms.
• Techniques: Fishing under a float.

Inflows and Outflows

Total inflows to the lake are at 3157 cfs, while outflows are at -632 cfs. The major inflows are coming from S65E (511 cfs), Fisheating Creek (222 cfs), S191 (370 cfs), and S84 (870 cfs). The major outflow is through S308 (-604 cfs).

That’s all for today’s report. Remember to check back on Monday for the full weekly report. Tight lines and stay safe out there!

Tight lines,
Captain Joe

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