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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Water Levels, Weather, and What’s Biting!
Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, comin’ at ya from the Big O! Let’s dive into what’s happenin’ on Lake Okeechobee, ’cause the water’s talkin’, and I’m here to translate.
Lake Okeechobee Water Levels: A Little Lower Than Last Year, But Still Fishable!
As of July 20, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is at 11.92 feet. Now, that’s about 1.65 feet lower than it was this time last year (13.57 feet) and a whopping 3.05 feet lower than two years ago (14.97 feet). Sheesh, time flies and the water changes! Compared to the historical average for this time of year (13.64 feet), we’re sittin’ about 1.72 feet below.
What does this mean for you, the dedicated angler? Well, lower water levels can concentrate the fish, makin’ ’em a little easier to find… sometimes. It also means payin’ extra attention to navigation, especially in those shallower areas. Remember those navigation depths? Route 1 is sittin’ at about 5.86 feet and Route 2 is at 4.06 feet. Keep an eye on that depth finder, folks!
Inflows and Outflows: What’s Goin’ In, What’s Goin’ Out?
The lake’s gettin’ a good drink, with total inflows clockin’ in at 3812 cfs. Fisheating Creek is doin’ its part, contributin’ 1418 cfs. Outflows are minimal at -57 cfs, so the lake is slowly gaining.
Okeechobee Weather Forecast: Prepare for Rain!
Alright, let’s peek at what Mother Nature’s got cookin’ for the next week. Looks like we’re in for a bit of the wet stuff, so pack your rain gear, y’all!
- July 21st: Light rain, winds from the Southeast (161 degrees) at 8.2 mph, gusting to 16.2 mph. Temps between 78.4 F and 93.2 F.
- July 22nd: Heavy intensity rain, winds from the Southeast (144 degrees) at 17.9 mph, gusting to 24.5 mph. Temps between 72.5 F and 93.1 F.
- July 23rd: Moderate rain, winds from the South-Southwest (197 degrees) at 12.5 mph, gusting to 17.6 mph. Temps between 72.5 F and 86.8 F.
- July 24th: Light rain, winds from the Southeast (161 degrees) at 14.1 mph, gusting to 19.7 mph. Temps between 74.6 F and 88.0 F.
- July 25th: Light rain, winds from the East-Southeast (121 degrees) at 12.1 mph, gusting to 22.0 mph. Temps between 75.5 F and 92.1 F.
- July 26th: Clear skies, winds from the East-Northeast (83 degrees) at 10.7 mph, gusting to 15.9 mph. Temps between 76.5 F and 92.5 F.
- July 27th: Clear skies, winds from the East-Northeast (72 degrees) at 11.5 mph, gusting to 16.1 mph. Temps between 75.8 F and 92.1 F.
- July 28th: Few clouds, winds from the East-Northeast (73 degrees) at 10.4 mph, gusting to 15.1 mph. Temps between 73.5 F and 91.6 F.
Fishing Forecast: What’s Biting on Lake Okeechobee?
With the lower water levels and the rainy forecast, here’s how I reckon the fishin’ will be:
- Bass: The bass are likely to be holdin’ tight to any available cover, try flippin’ and pitchin’ around vegetation. Topwater baits early and late in the day could be productive, especially after those rain showers.
- Crappie (Speck): With the inflows, look for crappie near the mouths of canals and creeks. Minnows and jigs are always a good bet.
- Bluegill and Shellcracker: These panfish will be beddin’ up in the shallows. Crickets and worms under a bobber are the ticket!
Remember folks, these are just my predictions. The fish do what they want! But with a little know-how and a whole lotta patience, you’re sure to have a good time out on the Big O. Tight lines and happy fishin’!
Captain Joe, signing off!
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