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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – August 14, 2025 – Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here with your daily fishing report for Lake Okeechobee. Let’s get right to it – the Big O is still holding steady, and the fish are biting… if you know where to look!

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels

As of today, August 14, 2025, the lake elevation is at 12.21 feet NGVD. That’s down from last year’s 13.97 feet and significantly lower than two years ago at 15.33 feet. We’re also sitting 1.75 feet below the historical average for this time of year. Keep an eye on those levels, folks, as they can change quickly with the summer rains.

Weather and Fishing Forecast

The weather forecast for today is clear skies with a light breeze. The wind is coming from the East (94 degrees) at around 12 mph, with gusts up to 16.5 mph. Temperatures are expected to be hot, with a high around 94°F and a low around 81°F.

How the Conditions are Affecting Fishing

Bass Fishing

With the lake levels lower than average, the Kissimmee grass and hydrilla are more exposed, creating excellent ambush points for largemouth bass. Focus on the edges of these grass lines, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Topwater lures, like frogs and buzzbaits, can be very effective in these conditions. The clear skies mean the bass will likely be holding tighter to cover during the day, so flipping and pitching jigs and Texas-rigged worms into the thickest vegetation is a good bet. Remember to use heavier line, folks!

Crappie Fishing

Crappie fishing can be a bit tougher in the summer heat, but they’re still around. Look for them suspended around submerged structure in deeper water. Bridge pilings and brush piles are always worth a try. Minnows and small jigs are your best bet. With the clear skies, you might need to go a bit deeper to find them.

Other Species

Bluegill and shellcracker are still biting around the lily pads and reeds. Crickets and worms are the go-to baits. Catfish are always a good option, especially at night. Use stink bait or cut bait near the bottom.

General Tips for Today

• Stay Hydrated: It’s hot out there, folks! Bring plenty of water.
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Fish Early and Late: The bite is usually best during the cooler parts of the day.

That’s all for today’s report. Tight lines and happy fishing!

– Captain Joe

OkeechobeeFishingReport.com – Your daily source for Lake Okeechobee fishing information.

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