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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Water Levels, Weather, and What’s Biting! – July 28, 2025

Howdy, folks! Captain Joe here, your guide to all things fishy on Lake Okeechobee. Let’s dive right into what’s happening on the Big O today, July 28, 2025. We’ll cover the water levels, the weather forecast, and what the heck you should be throwin’ out there to catch some dinner!

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels:

Alright, listen up! As of today, July 28, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s water level is at 12.04 feet (NGVD). Now, that’s the official elevation, y’all. Let’s break down how that compares to previous years:

• Last Year (July 27, 2024): 13.53 feet. That means we’re currently 1.49 feet LOWER than we were this time last year.
• Two Years Ago (July 27, 2023): 15.01 feet. Holy catfish! We’re a whole 2.97 feet LOWER than we were two years ago.
• Historical Average (1965-2007): 13.72 feet. We’re sitting 1.68 feet BELOW the historical average.

What does this mean for fishing? Well, lower water levels can concentrate the fish in certain areas, making them easier to target. But it also means more vegetation and potentially tougher navigation in some spots. Keep an eye on those shallows, folks!

Okeechobee Weather Forecast:

Now, let’s talk about the weather. You know what they say, “If you don’t like the weather in Florida, wait 5 minutes!” Here’s what the skies have in store for us this week:

• Today (July 28, 2025): Moderate rain, wind from the east (76 degrees) at 11.5 mph, with gusts up to 17.3 mph. Temperatures ranging from 79°F to 93°F.
• Tomorrow (July 29, 2025): Sky is clear, wind from the east-southeast (114 degrees) at 11.2 mph, with gusts up to 20.3 mph. Temperatures ranging from 78°F to 94°F.
• July 30, 2025: Light rain, wind from the southeast (158 degrees) at 10.6 mph, with gusts up to 16.5 mph. Temperatures ranging from 79°F to 94°F.
• July 31, 2025: Light rain, wind from the west-southwest (240 degrees) at 7.7 mph, with gusts up to 13.2 mph. Temperatures ranging from 78°F to 94°F.
• August 1, 2025: Light rain, wind from the southeast (146 degrees) at 7.6 mph, with gusts up to 7.8 mph. Temperatures ranging from 79°F to 94°F.
• August 2, 2025: Light rain, wind from the south (180 degrees) at 8.5 mph, with gusts up to 17 mph. Temperatures ranging from 78°F to 92°F.
• August 3, 2025: Light rain, wind from the south (189 degrees) at 7.2 mph, with gusts up to 12.3 mph. Temperatures ranging from 78°F to 92°F.
• August 4, 2025: Light rain, wind from the southeast (145 degrees) at 12.8 mph, with gusts up to 20.2 mph. Temperatures ranging from 77°F to 93°F.

Looks like we’ve got a mixed bag of weather this week, folks. Keep an eye on the radar and be prepared for anything. Remember your sunscreen and rain gear!

What’s Biting on Lake Okeechobee?

Okay, the moment you’ve all been waitin’ for! What should you be throwin’ out there to catch some fish?

• Bass: With the lower water levels, bass are likely to be concentrated around vegetation edges and submerged structure. Topwater frogs and buzzbaits will be effective early in the morning and late in the evening. During the day, try flipping jigs and worms into the thick stuff. With the moderate rain today, expect the bass to be active!
• Crappie (Speck): Crappie are still hanging around brush piles and deeper water. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. Look for them near the Kissimmee River and in the canals.
• Bluegill/Shellcracker: These panfish are always a good bet, especially for a fun day with the family. Crickets and worms fished near lily pads and grass lines will do the trick.

Captain Joe’s Pro Tip: With the wind direction shifting throughout the week, pay attention to which shorelines are getting the most wind. These areas will often hold more baitfish and, consequently, more predators. Don’t be afraid to move around and experiment with different lures and techniques until you find what the fish want!

Inflows and Outflows:

For the data nerds out there (I know you’re out there!), here’s a quick look at the inflows and outflows:

• Total Inflows: 3639 cfs (Cubic Feet per Second)
• Total Outflows: 31 cfs

The lake is currently taking in significantly more water than it’s releasing. This could lead to a slow rise in water levels over time, but we’ll keep you updated.

Final Thoughts from Captain Joe:

Alright, folks, that’s the scoop for today. Remember to be safe out there on the water, respect the environment, and tight lines! And if you see a fella in a beat-up bass boat with a Captain’s hat, give me a wave! Until next time, happy fishin’!

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