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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report – September 8, 2025 – By Captain Joe

Howdy folks, Captain Joe here with your daily Lake Okeechobee fishing report. Let’s get right to it – the lake’s been changing, and that means the fish are too.

Lake Okeechobee Water Levels

As of today, September 8, 2025, Lake Okeechobee’s elevation is at 12.75 feet NGVD. That’s down from last year’s 14.51 feet and even further from the year before at 15.34 feet. We’re also sitting 1.67 feet below the period of record average. The lake level has dropped 0.03 feet since yesterday.

Navigation depths are Route 1: 6.69′ and Route 2: 4.89′.

Inflows and Outflows

Inflows are at 6050 cfs, with the S65E contributing the most at 4419 cfs. Outflows are currently unavailable due to missing discharge data for S77 and S308.

Weather Impact on Fishing

We’re looking at some rain today. The forecast calls for heavy intensity rain. The wind will be light, coming from the north. The high is forecast to be around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a low around 75.

Fishing Outlook

With the lake level continuing to drop and the rain coming in, here’s how I see it affecting the fishing:

Bass Fishing

The falling water is concentrating the bass in the deeper areas and around any remaining vegetation. Focus on areas near the Kissimmee River and the edges of the grass lines. With the rain, topwater baits early in the morning could be productive. Try flipping jigs and worms later in the day as the rain continues. Look for bass near structure where they can ambush prey. The bass fishing tips page has more information.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie will be holding tight to submerged structure and vegetation. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. Look for them in the deeper canals and around bridge pilings. The rain might make them a bit more active, so don’t be afraid to move around and find them. Check out our crappie fishing guide for more details.

Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill fishing should be decent around the lily pads and grass lines. Crickets and worms are always a good choice. The rain might stir up some insects, making for a good bite. Bluegill fishing information is available on the site.

Catfish Fishing

Catfish will be active with the rain. Fish the bottom with stink baits, cut bait, or nightcrawlers. Focus on the deeper holes and channels. The catfish fishing page has more information.

Captain Joe’s Tip of the Day

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and techniques. The fish are always changing their habits, so you need to be adaptable. And remember, a bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work!

Tight lines, y’all!

– Captain Joe

This Lake Okeechobee fishing report is brought to you by OkeechobeeFishingReport.com, your source for the latest fishing information on Lake Okeechobee.

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