Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – 07.08.2025


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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: July 7th, 2025 – Captain Joe


Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – July 7th, 2025 – With 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 Okeechobee Water Levels and Conditions

Here’s the latest data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Pay close attention, as these levels directly impact where the fish are holdin’ up.

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
                       Lake Okeechobee and Vicinity Report
                   ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **
 
 
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneA =  16.68
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneBC =  16.28
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneD =  11.24
 
Data Ending 2400 hours   07 JUL 2025
_____________________________________________________________________________
 
Okeechobee Lake Regulation      Elevation   Last Year  2YRS Ago
                                (ft-NGVD)   (ft-NGVD)  (ft-NGVD)
  *Okeechobee Lake Elevation       11.42       13.50    14.77 (Official Elv)
 
  07JUL (1965-2007) Period of Record Average    13.52
  Difference from POR Average                  -2.10
 
  Today Lake Okeechobee elevation is determined from the 4 Int & 4 Edge stations
 
  ++Navigation Depth (Based on 2007 Channel Condition Survey) Route 1   5.36'
  ++Navigation Depth (Based on 2008 Channel Condition Survey) Route 2   3.56'
  Bridge Clearance = 51.13'
______________________________________________________________________________
 
4 Interior and 4 Edge Okeechobee Lake Average (Avg-Daily values):
 
  L001   L005   L006   LZ40   S4     S352   S308   S133
  11.55  11.44  11.42  11.41  11.25   -NR-   11.37 11.48
 
 
 *Combination Okeechobee  Avg-Daily Lake Average =  11.42
                                                   (*See Note)
______________________________________________________________________________
 
Okeechobee Inflows (cfs):
  S65E            655      S65EX1            0      Fisheating Cr   233
  S154              0      S191            156      S135 Pumps        0
  S84             377      S133 Pumps      118      S2 Pumps          0
  S84X            144      S127 Pumps       66      S3 Pumps          0
  S71             296      S129 Pumps       51      S4 Pumps          0
  S72              43      S131 Pumps       44      C5                0
Total Inflows:   2182
 
Okeechobee Outflows (cfs):
  S135 Culverts    84      S354              0      S77               0
  S127 Culverts     0      S351              0      S308           -334
  S129 Culverts     0      S352           -NR-
  S131 Culverts     0      L8 Canal Pt      11
Total Outflows:   -238
 
****S77 structure flow is being used to compute Total Outflow.
****S308 below flow meter is being used to compute Total Outflow.
 
Okeechobee Pan Evaporation (inches):
  S77            0.30      S308           0.28
  Average Pan Evap x 0.75 Pan Coefficient =  0.22" =  0.02'
 
Lake Average Precipitation using NEXRAD: =  -NR-" =  -NR-'
 
Evaporation - Precipitation:             =  -NR-" =  -NR-'
Evaporation - Precipitation using Lake Area of 730 square miles
  is equal to   -NR-
Lake Okeechobee (Change in Storage) Flow is   1815 cfs or   3600 AC-FT
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
             Headwater Tailwater         ----------- Gate Positions ------------
             Elevation Elevation  Disch   #1   #2   #3   #4   #5   #6   #7   #8
             (ft-msl)  (ft-msl)   (cfs)  (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft)
                               (I) see note at bottom
North East Shore
  S133 Pumps:  13.27     11.68     118   -NR- -NR-    0    0 -NR-  (cfs)
  S193:       ______
  S191:        18.79     11.64     156    0.0  0.0  0.0
  S135 Pumps:  13.77     11.42       0      0    0    0    0       (cfs)
  S135 Culverts:                    84    0.0  0.0
 
North West Shore
  S65E:        21.13     11.76     655    0.1  0.0  0.4  0.3  0.4  0.7
  S65EX1:      21.13     11.76       0
  S127 Pumps:  13.28     11.48      66     13   13   22    0    0  (cfs)
  S127 Culvert:                      0    0.0
 
  S129 Pumps:  12.82     13.27      51     44    0    0            (cfs)
  S129 Culvert:                      0    0.0
 
  S131 Pumps:  12.87     12.13      44      0 -NR-                 (cfs)
  S131 Culvert:                      0
 
  Fisheating Creek
    nr Palmdale          31.86     233
    nr Lakeport         ______
  S282         11.56     11.64              0.0  0.0  0.1
 
South Shore
  S4 Pumps:    11.63     11.60       0      0    0    0            (cfs)
  S169:       ______      -NR-    -NR-   -NR- -NR- -NR-
  S310:       ______              -NR-
  S3 Pumps:    10.11     11.41       0      0    0    0            (cfs)
  S354:        11.41     10.11       0    0.0  0.0
  S2 Pumps:    10.72     11.49       0      0    0    0    0       (cfs)
  S351:        11.49     10.72       0    0.0  0.0  0.0
  S352:       ______      -NR-    -NR-   -NR- -NR-
  S271:        11.71     11.60            9.3   9.6   9.8   8.5
  L8 Canal PT            11.33      11
 
  _________________________________________________________________________
                   S351 and S352 Temporary Pumps/S354 Spillway
 
  S351:        10.72     11.49       0  -NR--NR--NR--NR--NR--NR-
  S352:         -NR-    ______    -NR-  -NR--NR--NR--NR-
  S354:        10.11     11.41       0  -NR--NR--NR--NR-
  _________________________________________________________________________
 
Caloosahatchee River (S77, S78, S79)
  S47B:        11.38     11.12            0.0  0.0
  S47D:        11.20     11.19     110    6.0
  S77:
    Spillway and Sector Preferred Flow:
               11.48     11.07       0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:           0
 
  S78:
    Spillway and Sector Flow:
               11.06      3.33     590    0.5  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:           7
 
  S79:
    Spillway and Sector Flow:
                3.47      0.56    1601    0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  1.0  1.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:           2
    Percent of flow from S77         0%
    Chloride            (ppm)      0
 
 
St. Lucie Canal (S308, S80)
  S308:
    Spillway and Sector Preferred Flow:
               11.26     12.37    -333  0.0  0.0  3.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:          -1
 
  S153:        18.92     12.26     148    0.5  0.0
  S80:
    Spillway and Sector Flow:
               12.41      1.08       0    0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:          16
    Percent of flow from S308   NA  %
 
  Steele Point Top Salinity    (mg/ml) ****
  Steele Point Bottom Salinity (mg/ml) ****
 
  Speedy Point Top Salinity    (mg/ml) ****
  Speedy Point Bottom Salinity (mg/ml) ****
 
 + Flow Due to lockages is computed utilizing average daily headwater and
   tailwater along with total number of lockages for the day to calculate
   a volume which is then converted to an average discharge in cfs.
++ Preferred flow is determined from either the spillway discharge or the below flow meter daily
______________________________________________________________________________
                                                               ----- Wind ----
Daily Precipitation Totals    1-Day       3-Day       7-Day    Direction Speed
                             (inches)    (inches)    (inches)   (Deg)   (mph)
  S133 Pump Station:           -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S193:                        -NR-        0.00        0.00     -NR-    -NR-
  Okeechobee Field Station:    -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S135 Pump Station:           -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S127 Pump Station:           -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S129 Pump Station:           -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S131 Pump Station:           -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S77:                         0.47        0.70        2.20      207    -NR-
  S78:                         -NR-        0.00        0.00     -NR-    -NR-
  S79:                         -NR-        0.00        0.00      114       3
  S4 Pump Station:             -NR-        0.00        0.00
  Clewiston Field Station:     -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S3 Pump Station:             -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S2 Pump Station:             -NR-        0.00        0.00
  S308:                        -NR-        0.00        0.00      147       7
  S80:                         -NR-        0.00        0.00     -NR-    -NR-
        Okeechobee Average     0.47        0.05        0.17
        (Sites S78, S79 and S80 not included)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------
  Oke Nexrad Basin Avg         -NR-        0.00        0.00
  -----------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
______________________________________________________________________________
Okeechobee Lake Elevations  07 JUL 2025           11.42 Difference from 07JUL25
   07JUL25  -1 Day  =       06 JUL 2025           11.41            -0.01
   07JUL25  -2 Days =       05 JUL 2025           11.39            -0.03
   07JUL25  -3 Days =       04 JUL 2025           11.36            -0.06
   07JUL25  -4 Days =       03 JUL 2025           11.32            -0.10
   07JUL25  -5 Days =       02 JUL 2025           11.24            -0.18
   07JUL25  -6 Days =       01 JUL 2025           11.20            -0.22
   07JUL25  -7 Days =       30 JUN 2025           11.17            -0.25
   07JUL25 -30 Days =       07 JUN 2025           11.17            -0.25
   07JUL25  -1 Year =       07 JUL 2024           13.50             2.08
   07JUL25  -2 Year =       07 JUL 2023           14.77             3.35
______________________________________________________________________________
 
______________________________________________________________________________
                         Lake Okeechobee Net Inflow (LONIN)
                   Average Flow over the previous 14 days  |  Avg-Daily Flow
   07JUL25    Today =       07 JUL 2025      6054  TUE     |      -NR-
   07JUL25  -1 Day  =       06 JUL 2025      5747  MON     |      -NR-
   07JUL25  -2 Days =       05 JUL 2025      4886  SUN     |      -NR-
   07JUL25  -3 Days =       04 JUL 2025      4029  SAT     |      7061
   07JUL25  -4 Days =       03 JUL 2025      3139  FRI     |     14423
   07JUL25  -5 Days =       02 JUL 2025      2137  THU     |      -NR-
   07JUL25  -6 Days =       01 JUL 2025      1565  WED     |      5294
   07JUL25  -7 Days =       30 JUN 2025       849  TUE     |     17797
   07JUL25  -8 Days =       29 JUN 2025      -549  MON     |     19486
   07JUL25  -9 Days =       28 JUN 2025     -2193  SUN     |       702
   07JUL25 -10 Days =       27 JUN 2025     -2369  SAT     |      2158
   07JUL25 -11 Days =       26 JUN 2025     -2019  FRI     |     -2198
   07JUL25 -12 Days =       25 JUN 2025     -1610  THU     |       265
   07JUL25 -13 Days =       24 JUN 2025     -1755  WED     |     -4451
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
                                 S65E
                       Average Flow over previous 14 days  |  Avg-Daily Flow
   07JUL25     Today=       07 JUL 2025       444  TUE     |       772
   07JUL25  -1 Day  =       06 JUL 2025       411  MON     |       681
   07JUL25  -2 Days =       05 JUL 2025       381  SUN     |       603
   07JUL25  -3 Days =       04 JUL 2025       356  SAT     |       618
   07JUL25  -4 Days =       03 JUL 2025       333  FRI     |       445
   07JUL25  -5 Days =       02 JUL 2025       323  THU     |       482
   07JUL25  -6 Days =       01 JUL 2025       310  WED     |       391
   07JUL25  -7 Days =       30 JUN 2025       303  TUE     |       407
   07JUL25  -8 Days =       29 JUN 2025       302  MON     |       314
   07JUL25  -9 Days =       28 JUN 2025       307  SUN     |       308
   07JUL25 -10 Days =       27 JUN 2025       311  SAT     |       298
   07JUL25 -11 Days =       26 JUN 2025       322  FRI     |       322
   07JUL25 -12 Days =       25 JUN 2025       333  THU     |       284
   07JUL25 -13 Days =       24 JUN 2025       350  WED     |       287
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
                                 S65EX1
                       Average Flow over previous 14 days  |  Avg-Daily Flow
   07JUL25     Today=       07 JUL 2025         0   TUE     |         0
   07JUL25  -1 Day  =       06 JUL 2025         0   MON     |         0
   07JUL25  -2 Days =       05 JUL 2025         0   SUN     |         0
   07JUL25  -3 Days =       04 JUL 2025         0   SAT     |         0
   07JUL25  -4 Days =       03 JUL 2025         0   FRI     |         0
   07JUL25  -5 Days =       02 JUL 2025         0   THU     |         0
   07JUL25  -6 Days =       01 JUL 2025         0   WED     |         0
   07JUL25  -7 Days =       30 JUN 2025         0   TUE     |         0
   07JUL25  -8 Days =       29 JUN 2025         0   MON     |         0
   07JUL25  -9 Days =       28 JUN 2025         0   SUN     |         0
   07JUL25 -10 Days =       27 JUN 2025         0   SAT     |         0
   07JUL25 -11 Days =       26 JUN 2025         0   FRI     |         0
   07JUL25 -12 Days =       25 JUN 2025         0   THU     |         0
   07JUL25 -13 Days =       24 JUN 2025         0   WED     |         0
______________________________________________________________________________
Lake Okeechobee Outlets Last 14 Days
 
             S-77    Below S-77    S-78        S-79
           Discharge  Discharge  Discharge  Discharge
           (ALL DAY)  (ALL-DAY)  (ALL DAY)  (ALL DAY)
   DATE     (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)
07 JUL 2025      0        162        1142       2993
06 JUL 2025      0         72        1974       6084
05 JUL 2025      0        202        2662       6189
04 JUL 2025     -0        226        3669       8918
03 JUL 2025     -1         95        2900       5406
02 JUL 2025     -0         27        2159       5201
01 JUL 2025     -0         37         546       1764
30 JUN 2025      0         43         250       1431
29 JUN 2025    217        274         346       1375
28 JUN 2025    785        931         132        485
27 JUN 2025      3       -113        -NR-        477
26 JUN 2025      2       -151          23        495
25 JUN 2025      1          6          93        558
24 JUN 2025      1         79         295        537
 
             S-310      S-351      S-352      S-354    L8 Canal Pt
           Discharge  Discharge  Discharge  Discharge  Discharge
           (ALL DAY)  (ALL DAY)  (ALL DAY)  (ALL DAY)  (ALL DAY)
   DATE     (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)    (AC-FT)
07 JUL 2025   -NR-          0      -NR-           0       -NR-
06 JUL 2025   -NR-          0      -NR-           0       -NR-
05 JUL 2025   -NR-          0      -NR-           0       -NR-
04 JUL 2025   -NR-          0         6           0       -NR-
03 JUL 2025   -NR-          0         7           0       -NR-
02 JUL 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
01 JUL 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
30 JUN 2025   -NR-          0         1           0       -NR-
29 JUN 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
28 JUN 2025   -NR-          0       544           0       -NR-
27 JUN 2025   -NR-        664       285           0       -NR-
26 JUN 2025   -NR-       1283       924           0       -NR-
25 JUN 2025   -NR-          0       457           0       -NR-
24 JUN 2025   -NR-        252       746           0       -NR-
 
             S-308    Below S-308    S-80
           Discharge   Discharge   Discharge
           (ALL DAY)   (ALL-DAY)   (ALL-DAY)
   DATE     (AC-FT)     (AC-FT)     (AC-FT)
07 JUL 2025  -3605        -662          33
06 JUL 2025  -5747       -1047          29
05 JUL 2025  -6667       -1199          16
04 JUL 2025  -7324       -1370          13
03 JUL 2025  -6527       -1668          17
02 JUL 2025  -6313        -NR-          16
01 JUL 2025  -5832       -1695          22
30 JUN 2025  -5632       -1352          25
29 JUN 2025  -3075        -474          18
28 JUN 2025  -2259        -200          18
27 JUN 2025  -2535        -310          30
26 JUN 2025  -2007         -39          21
25 JUN 2025  -2076        -147          24
24 JUN 2025   -NR-        -168          33
 
***  NOTE:     Discharge (ALL DAY) is computed using Spillway, Sector Gate and
               Lockages Discharges from 0015 hrs to 2400 hrs.
______________________________________________________________________________
 
(I) - Flows preceeded by "I" signify an instantaneous
      flow computed from the single value reported for the day
______________________________________________________________________________
   * On 11 May 1999, Lake Okeechobee Elevation was switched from
     Instantaneous 2400 value to an average-daily lake average.
     On 14 Mar 2001, due to the isolation of various gages within the standard
     10 stations, the average of the interior 4 station gages was used
     as the Lake Okeechobee Elevation.
     On 05 November 2010,  Lake Okeechobee Elevation was switched to a 9 gage
     mix of interior and edge gages to obtain a more reliable representation
     of the lake level.
     On 09 May 2011,  Lake Okeechobee Elevation was switched to a 8 gage
     mix of interior and edge gages to obtain a more reliable representation
     of the lake level due to isolation of S135 from low lake levels.
     Today Lake Okechobee elevation is determined from the 4 Int & 4 Edge stations
  ++ For more information see the Jacksonville District Navigation website
     at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/
   $ For information regarding Lake Okeechobee Service Area water restrictions
     please refer to www.sfwmd.gov
______________________________________________________________________________
Report Generated 08JUL2025 @ 09:15  ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **

As you can see, the lake level is currently at 11.42 feet. That’s down from last year (13.50 feet) and significantly lower than two years ago (14.77 feet). We’re also below the period of record average. This lower water level concentrates the fish, but also makes ’em a bit more wary.

Weather Forecast and Fishing Impact

The weather forecast for today, July 8th, calls for rain. Specifically, we’re lookin’ at moderate rain with about 4.07mm expected. The wind will be comin’ from the east-southeast at around 10 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph. Temperatures will be in the low 80s during the day and mid 70s at night.

Bass Fishing

With the rain and wind, bass will likely be holding tighter to cover. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, like hydrilla and Kissimmee grass. Topwater lures can be effective early in the morning or late in the evening when the rain lets up a bit. During the heavier rain, try flipping jigs or Texas-rigged worms into the thickest cover you can find. The key is to slow down your presentation and be patient. Look for areas with inflow from canals or creeks, as these areas often hold more oxygen and attract baitfish, which in turn attract bass. Remember to check out our weekly fishing report every monday for a full breakdown.

Crappie Fishing

The rain can make crappie fishing a bit tougher, but it’s still doable. Look for crappie around bridge pilings, docks, and submerged trees. Minnows and small jigs are your best bet. The wind might make it difficult to present your bait precisely, so consider using a heavier jig or a slip bobber to help keep your line tight. With the lake level down, crappie may be concentrated in deeper areas near structure. Check out our weekly fishing report every monday for a full breakdown.

Other Species

Catfish will be biting well in the muddy water after the rain. Use stink bait or cut bait near the bottom. Bluegill and shellcracker can still be caught around lily pads and vegetation, but they might be a bit more scattered due to the weather. Check out our weekly fishing report every monday for a full breakdown.

Captain Joe’s Tips for Today

  • Safety First: With the rain and wind, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and wear a life jacket.
  • Slow Down: The fish will be less active in the rain, so slow down your presentation and be patient.
  • Fish the Cover: Target areas with submerged vegetation and structure.
  • Adjust Your Bait: Use darker colored lures in the muddy water.

That’s all for today’s report, folks. Remember to check back every Monday for the full weekly report. Tight lines and happy fishin’!

– Captain Joe

Disclaimer: This fishing report is based on observations and data available at the time of writing. Fishing conditions can change rapidly, so use your best judgment and always practice safe boating.



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