Lake Okeechobee anglers, it’s shaping up to be another stellar day of fishing on the “Big O” this Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The lake is alive with activity, and both seasoned pros and newcomers are having success across a variety of species. Here’s your breakdown for the day.

The water levels are at 12.83 feet, and recent trends indicate fish are moving out from the shallow marsh areas to the edges of vegetation in clearer zones. With sunrise at 7:09 AM and sunset at 7:42 PM, there’s plenty of daylight for action, especially during peak feeding times around dawn and dusk.

Weather today looks favorable with calm winds and mild spring temperatures holding steady, providing prime conditions for bass and crappie fishing. Water temperatures are warming, keeping largemouth bass on their spawning beds—many still in shallower waters or along the edges of vegetation.

Largemouth bass remain the star attraction. Reports suggest bass are hitting various lures, with swim jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastic worms performing especially well. Popular colors are Junebug, green pumpkin, and watermelon with glitter, which match the local aquatic vegetation. For live bait enthusiasts, large wild shiners remain unbeatable for trophy-sized bass. The Monkey Box and the North Shore are great spots to cast for bass today, with the latter also showing cleaner water ideal for sight fishing.

Crappie fishing has also been exceptional this season. Using minnows or jigs can yield quick limits, so don't hesitate to explore the Kissimmee River or Harney Pond Canal. For best results, try suspending live minnows at 8 feet deep or jigging around vegetation. Anglers have had fantastic catches in these areas recently, with many reporting 25-fish limits of quality black crappie.

For bream enthusiasts, it’s the early days of spawning season for bluegill and redear sunfish. These fish love live worms, beetle spins, and crickets. Check areas with calmer waters like Buckhead Ridge or Clewiston for the best chance at shellcrackers and bluegill.

Non-native Mayan cichlids are in abundance and a fun catch near canal systems like Indian Prairie. These aggressive fighters are easily tempted with live worms or small artificial baits and offer a tasty reward.

For recommended hot spots, don’t miss the Monkey Box on the west shore, known for its hard bottom and thick bass population. Harney Pond Canal is also a must-visit, offering protection from wind and great numbers of bass and crappie. South Bay, with its dense vegetation, might also yield an incredible day of fishing.

Whether you’re slinging artificial lures or drifting live bait, today promises excitement on Lake Okeechobee. Tight lines out there!