Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – 08.21.2025

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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: August 20, 2025 – Captain Joe


Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – August 20, 2025 – With Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you the latest from beautiful Lake Okeechobee. Been fishin’ and huntin’ these parts for longer than I care to admit, and I’m here to give you the straight scoop on what’s bitin’.

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels & Conditions

Let’s get right to it. Here’s the latest data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
                       Lake Okeechobee and Vicinity Report
                   ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **
 
 
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneA =  16.89
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneBC =  16.49
LOSOM24 Reg ZoneD =  12.15
 
Data Ending 2400 hours   20 AUG 2025
_____________________________________________________________________________
 
Okeechobee Lake Regulation      Elevation   Last Year  2YRS Ago
                                (ft-NGVD)   (ft-NGVD)  (ft-NGVD)
  *Okeechobee Lake Elevation       12.19       14.10    15.36 (Official Elv)
 
  20AUG (1965-2007) Period of Record Average    14.05
  Difference from POR Average                  -1.86
 
  Today Lake Okeechobee elevation is determined from the 4 Int & 4 Edge stations
 
  ++Navigation Depth (Based on 2007 Channel Condition Survey) Route 1   6.13'
  ++Navigation Depth (Based on 2008 Channel Condition Survey) Route 2   4.33'
  Bridge Clearance = 49.42'
______________________________________________________________________________
 
4 Interior and 4 Edge Okeechobee Lake Average (Avg-Daily values):
 
  L001   L005   L006   LZ40   S4     S352   S308   S133
  12.22  12.20  12.27  12.19  12.32  12.33   12.14 12.11
 
 
 *Combination Okeechobee  Avg-Daily Lake Average =  12.19
                                                   (*See Note)
______________________________________________________________________________
 
Okeechobee Inflows (cfs):
  S65E           1984      S65EX1            0      Fisheating Cr   365
  S154              0      S191              0      S135 Pumps        0
  S84               0      S133 Pumps        0      S2 Pumps          0
  S84X              0      S127 Pumps        0      S3 Pumps          0
  S71               0      S129 Pumps        0      S4 Pumps          0
  S72               0      S131 Pumps        0      C5                0
Total Inflows:   2349
 
Okeechobee Outflows (cfs):
  S135 Culverts    84      S354            316      S77               1
  S127 Culverts     0      S351              0      S308             -2
  S129 Culverts     0      S352              0
  S131 Culverts     0      L8 Canal Pt     -24
Total Outflows:    375
 
****S77 structure flow is being used to compute Total Outflow.
****S308 structure flow is being used to compute Total Outflow.
 
Okeechobee Pan Evaporation (inches):
  S77            0.31      S308           0.29
  Average Pan Evap x 0.75 Pan Coefficient =  0.23" =  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   3832 cfs or   7600 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:  13.30     12.36       0      0    0    0    0 -NR-  (cfs)
  S193:       ______
  S191:        18.54     12.32       0    0.0  0.0  0.0
  S135 Pumps:  13.52     12.14       0      0    0    0    0       (cfs)
  S135 Culverts:                    84    0.0  2.6
 
North West Shore
  S65E:        21.13     12.15    1984    0.4  0.6  1.1  1.1  0.4  1.1
  S65EX1:      21.13     12.15       0
  S127 Pumps:  13.44     12.28       0      0    0    0    0    0  (cfs)
  S127 Culvert:                      0    0.0
 
  S129 Pumps:  12.92     12.46       0      0    0    0            (cfs)
  S129 Culvert:                      0    0.0
 
  S131 Pumps:  13.05     12.70       0      0    0                 (cfs)
  S131 Culvert:                      0
 
  Fisheating Creek
    nr Palmdale          32.13     365
    nr Lakeport         ______
  S282         12.45     12.48              0.0  0.0  0.1
 
South Shore
  S4 Pumps:    10.61     12.29       0      0    0    0            (cfs)
  S169:       ______      -NR-    -NR-   -NR- -NR- -NR-
  S310:       ______              -NR-
  S3 Pumps:    10.02     12.13       0      0    0    0            (cfs)
  S354:        12.13     10.02     316    0.0  1.5
  S2 Pumps:     9.83     12.15       0      0    0    0    0       (cfs)
  S351:        12.15      9.83       0    0.0  0.0  0.0
  S352:        12.27     10.21       0    0.0  0.0
  S271:        12.45     12.54            9.2   9.5   9.8   8.5
  L8 Canal PT            12.25     -24
 
  _________________________________________________________________________
                   S351 and S352 Temporary Pumps/S354 Spillway
 
  S351:         9.83     12.15       0  -NR--NR--NR--NR--NR--NR-
  S352:        10.21     12.27       0  -NR--NR--NR--NR-
  S354:        10.02     12.13     316  -NR--NR--NR--NR-
  _________________________________________________________________________
 
Caloosahatchee River (S77, S78, S79)
  S47B:        12.02     11.19            0.0  0.0
  S47D:        11.28     11.27      86    6.0
  S77:
    Spillway and Sector Preferred Flow:
               12.21     11.17       0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:           1
 
  S78:
    Spillway and Sector Flow:
               11.16      3.05     152    0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:           3
 
  S79:
    Spillway and Sector Flow:
                3.23      1.00     750    0.0  0.0  0.0  1.0  2.0  0.0  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:
               12.19     14.08       0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:          -2
 
  S153:        18.62     13.92     100    0.0  0.5
  S80:
    Spillway and Sector Flow:
               14.07      2.33       0    0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0
    Flow Due to Lockages+:           6
    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:                         0.00        0.69        0.69      250    -NR-
  S78:                         -NR-        0.00        0.00        3    -NR-
  S79:                         -NR-        0.00        0.00      233       2
  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      100       5
  S80:                         -NR-        0.00        0.00     -NR-    -NR-
        Okeechobee Average     0.00        0.05        0.05
        (Sites S78, S79 and S80 not included)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------
  Oke Nexrad Basin Avg         -NR-        0.00        0.00
  -----------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
______________________________________________________________________________
Okeechobee Lake Elevations  20 AUG 2025           12.19 Difference from 20AUG25
   20AUG25  -1 Day  =       19 AUG 2025           12.17            -0.02
   20AUG25  -2 Days =       18 AUG 2025           12.20             0.01
   20AUG25  -3 Days =       17 AUG 2025           12.21             0.02
   20AUG25  -4 Days =       16 AUG 2025           12.21             0.02
   20AUG25  -5 Days =       15 AUG 2025           12.21             0.02
   20AUG25  -6 Days =       14 AUG 2025           12.21             0.02
   20AUG25  -7 Days =       13 AUG 2025           12.21             0.02
   20AUG25 -30 Days =       21 JUL 2025           11.94            -0.25
   20AUG25  -1 Year =       20 AUG 2024           14.10             1.91
   20AUG25  -2 Year =       20 AUG 2023           15.36             3.17
______________________________________________________________________________
 
______________________________________________________________________________
                         Lake Okeechobee Net Inflow (LONIN)
                   Average Flow over the previous 14 days  |  Avg-Daily Flow
   20AUG25    Today =       20 AUG 2025      2373  THU     |      4148
   20AUG25  -1 Day  =       19 AUG 2025      1769  WED     |     -5386
   20AUG25  -2 Days =       18 AUG 2025      2537  TUE     |     -1717
   20AUG25  -3 Days =       17 AUG 2025      2637  MON     |         3
   20AUG25  -4 Days =       16 AUG 2025      2887  SUN     |         7
   20AUG25  -5 Days =       15 AUG 2025      2764  SAT     |         0
   20AUG25  -6 Days =       14 AUG 2025      2689  FRI     |         0
   20AUG25  -7 Days =       13 AUG 2025      2852  THU     |      3892
   20AUG25  -8 Days =       12 AUG 2025      2438  WED     |     -1907
   20AUG25  -9 Days =       11 AUG 2025      2717  TUE     |      1938
   20AUG25 -10 Days =       10 AUG 2025      2441  MON     |      5772
   20AUG25 -11 Days =       09 AUG 2025      2172  SUN     |     11520
   20AUG25 -12 Days =       08 AUG 2025      1351  SAT     |      7865
   20AUG25 -13 Days =       07 AUG 2025      1212  FRI     |      7086
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
                                 S65E
                       Average Flow over previous 14 days  |  Avg-Daily Flow
   20AUG25     Today=       20 AUG 2025      1607  THU     |      2233
   20AUG25  -1 Day  =       19 AUG 2025      1546  WED     |      2131
   20AUG25  -2 Days =       18 AUG 2025      1492  TUE     |      1863
   20AUG25  -3 Days =       17 AUG 2025      1455  MON     |      1722
   20AUG25  -4 Days =       16 AUG 2025      1431  SUN     |      1630
   20AUG25  -5 Days =       15 AUG 2025      1414  SAT     |      1549
   20AUG25  -6 Days =       14 AUG 2025      1397  FRI     |      1601
   20AUG25  -7 Days =       13 AUG 2025      1376  THU     |      1366
   20AUG25  -8 Days =       12 AUG 2025      1370  WED     |      1366
   20AUG25  -9 Days =       11 AUG 2025      1364  TUE     |      1361
   20AUG25 -10 Days =       10 AUG 2025      1357  MON     |      1382
   20AUG25 -11 Days =       09 AUG 2025      1353  SUN     |      1413
   20AUG25 -12 Days =       08 AUG 2025      1346  SAT     |      1441
   20AUG25 -13 Days =       07 AUG 2025      1341  FRI     |      1438
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
                                 S65EX1
                       Average Flow over previous 14 days  |  Avg-Daily Flow
   20AUG25     Today=       20 AUG 2025         0   THU     |         0
   20AUG25  -1 Day  =       19 AUG 2025         0   WED     |         0
   20AUG25  -2 Days =       18 AUG 2025         0   TUE     |         0
   20AUG25  -3 Days =       17 AUG 2025         0   MON     |         0
   20AUG25  -4 Days =       16 AUG 2025         0   SUN     |         0
   20AUG25  -5 Days =       15 AUG 2025         0   SAT     |         0
   20AUG25  -6 Days =       14 AUG 2025         0   FRI     |         0
   20AUG25  -7 Days =       13 AUG 2025         0   THU     |         0
   20AUG25  -8 Days =       12 AUG 2025         0   WED     |         0
   20AUG25  -9 Days =       11 AUG 2025         0   TUE     |         0
   20AUG25 -10 Days =       10 AUG 2025         0   MON     |         0
   20AUG25 -11 Days =       09 AUG 2025         0   SUN     |         0
   20AUG25 -12 Days =       08 AUG 2025         0   SAT     |         0
   20AUG25 -13 Days =       07 AUG 2025         0   FRI     |         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)
20 AUG 2025      1        -48         295       1519
19 AUG 2025      2        -96         807       2327
18 AUG 2025      1       -155         991       3907
17 AUG 2025      0        -17         995       2884
16 AUG 2025      1       -113        1219       4598
15 AUG 2025      1        -67        1748       5607
14 AUG 2025      2       -131        1755       5717
13 AUG 2025      3         92        2240       6131
12 AUG 2025      1        563        3105       6861
11 AUG 2025      1        527        2904       6546
10 AUG 2025      1        551        3495       8011
09 AUG 2025      1        116        1969       5739
08 AUG 2025      1         10        1009       3188
07 AUG 2025      1          8        1012       3132
 
             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)
20 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0         628       -NR-
19 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0         717       -NR-
18 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0         494       -NR-
17 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
16 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
15 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
14 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
13 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
12 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
11 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
10 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
09 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
08 AUG 2025   -NR-          0         0           0       -NR-
07 AUG 2025   -NR-       1947       335           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)
20 AUG 2025     -4         -35          11
19 AUG 2025     -4         119          11
18 AUG 2025     -1          87          19
17 AUG 2025     -3          51          27
16 AUG 2025     -4          28          23
15 AUG 2025     -8          68          12
14 AUG 2025     -7          48          27
13 AUG 2025     -4          72          27
12 AUG 2025     -8          53          27
11 AUG 2025   -689         -15          30
10 AUG 2025     -9           8          22
09 AUG 2025     -5         -92          29
08 AUG 2025     -3         175          25
07 AUG 2025     -5          75          21
 
***  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 21AUG2025 @ 09:15  ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **

As you can see, the lake level is sitting at 12.19 feet. That’s down a bit from last year (14.10 feet) and significantly lower than two years ago (15.36 feet). We’re also below the period of record average. Keep an eye on those navigation depths if you’re running a bigger boat.

Weather Impact on Fishing

The forecast for today, August 21st, calls for light rain and winds from the Southeast. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Rain: Expect about 0.66 inches of rain.
  • Wind: Winds will be blowing from the Southeast (around 171 degrees) at about 10.87 mph, with gusts up to 21.45 mph.
  • Temperature: High of 93.25°F, low of 79.7°F.

This kind of weather can affect the fish in a few ways. The rain can cool the water slightly, which can get the fish moving, especially in the shallows. The wind can make it a bit tougher to fish from a boat, but it can also concentrate baitfish in certain areas, which the predators will follow.

Fishing Forecast for Lake Okeechobee

Bass Fishing

With the lake level being lower than average, look for bass around the Kissimmee grass and submerged vegetation. The light rain and wind could stir up the water, making moving baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits effective. Focus on areas where the wind is blowing into, as this will concentrate baitfish. Topwater action early in the morning could be good too, before the sun gets too high. Remember to target those transition areas where the grass meets open water. The best bass lures for these conditions are typically dark colored soft plastics.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie will likely be holding around deeper structure, like brush piles and submerged trees. With the wind, drifting with jigs or minnows could be a good tactic. The stained water from the rain might push them a bit deeper, so adjust your presentation accordingly. Look for crappie near the major canals and channels.

Catfish Fishing

Catfish are always a good bet on Okeechobee. The rain can wash more nutrients into the lake, which can get them feeding. Fish on the bottom with live or cut bait, especially in areas with current. The wind shouldn’t affect catfish fishing too much, so you can focus on finding the right bait and location. Try fishing near the major points and creek mouths.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your bait presentation. Sometimes a slight change in retrieve or lure color can make all the difference. And always, always, pay attention to the wind and water clarity. Those two factors can dictate where the fish are holding and what they’re biting on.

Tight lines and safe fishin’, y’all!

– Captain Joe

Disclaimer: This fishing report is based on observations and data available at the time of writing. Fishing conditions can change rapidly. Always check local regulations and weather conditions before heading out.



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