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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – August 30, 2025 – With Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here, bringing you your daily dose of what’s happening on our beloved Lake Okeechobee. Been fishin’ and huntin’ these waters for longer than I care to admit, and I’m here to share what I’m seeing.

Lake Level and Water Conditions

The lake level is sitting at 12.50 feet NGVD today. That’s down from last year’s 14.26 feet and quite a bit below the average for this time of year (14.19 feet). We’re about 1.69 feet below the historical average. Compared to yesterday, the lake is down about .09 feet. The inflows are at 4517 cfs and outflows are not available due to missing data.

Navigation depths are Route 1 at 6.44′ and Route 2 at 4.64′. Be careful out there and know your waterways!

Weather Impact on Fishing

We’re looking at some rain today. The forecast calls for about 6.72mm of rain with winds coming from the west-southwest (250 degrees) at around 3.22 meters/second (7.2 mph), gusting up to 4.32 meters/second (9.6 mph). The high today will be around 29.34°C (84.8°F), with a low of 24.45°C (76°F).

This rain and wind could stir up the water a bit, potentially impacting visibility. Here’s how it might affect different species:

Bass Fishing

The cloud cover from the rain can actually help the bass fishing. They tend to be more active in lower light conditions. Focus on areas with structure like grass lines and submerged vegetation. With the wind, the windward side of the lake will have more active fish. Use moving baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits to cover water quickly. Check out our bass fishing tips here.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie might be a bit more finicky with the weather. Try fishing deeper around brush piles and submerged trees. Minnows and jigs are always a good bet. The stained water may push them a bit deeper. More on crappie fishing on Okeechobee.

Bluegill and Shellcracker

These panfish might hunker down a bit with the rain. Look for them in canals and protected areas with vegetation. Crickets and worms are your best bet. Learn more about panfishing on Lake Okeechobee.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

With the lake level being lower than usual, be extra cautious navigating the lake. Watch out for submerged stumps and sandbars. Safety first, folks!

That’s all for today’s report. Tight lines and stay safe out there!

Your pal,
Captain Joe

P.S. Don’t forget to check back on Monday for our full weekly fishing report!

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