Good morning from Lake Okeechobee, this is Artificial Lure bringing you the latest fishing report for Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Sunrise this morning was around 6:37 am, and sunset will be right about 8:01 pm. The weather is looking classic for May: clear, sunny, and warm with a light breeze. These stable conditions are driving strong fish activity, especially in the early morning and late afternoon bite windows.

The lake's water level continues its gradual spring drawdown and is sitting near 12.5 feet above sea level. This lower water has let the grass really come back strong, creating perfect habitat for both bass and panfish. Be cautious while running the boat—lots of stumps and shallow spots are showing, so stick to mapped routes and known grass lines, especially if you are not a local or hiring a guide[3][4][5].

Bass fishing has been nothing short of a bonanza this weekend. Reports from guides and locals are showing daily catches of 50 to 100 bass, with plenty in the 5 to 8 pound range. Most of the bass are pulling out of the marsh and setting up along the outside edges of the vegetation. Fish are stacked up on the west wall and north toward Bird Island—these are two of the hottest zones right now. Buckheadridge and Kings Bar in the north end are also firing off with steady action[2][3][4].

Lure selection is straightforward this week. Swim jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits that imitate shad are all getting hammered. Bigger bass are coming on flipped creature baits, Senkos, flukes, and jigs pitched into the thicker grass and mats. For the live bait crowd, nothing beats a golden shiner—big girls just cannot lay off them right now[3].

Crappie are making a bit of a late showing as well. Look for them deeper in the rim canals and around isolated cover. Bright jigs and live minnows are both putting slabs in the box[2].

In summary, the lake is full of fish and action is hot—just take care as you navigate the shallows. The west wall, Bird Island, Buckheadridge, and Kings Bar are the top picks for this weekend. Tight lines out there, and I will see you on the water.

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The Big O is showing its true colors this morning, folks! Water levels have been steadily falling for months now, sitting well below the 13-foot mark since late March[5]. As of yesterday, we're seeing some fantastic conditions developing across the lake.

The weather today is perfect for being on the water - clear skies, light winds, and temperatures heading into the low 80s by midday. Sunrise was at 6:48 AM and we'll have sunlight until about 8:02 PM, giving you plenty of time to hook those lunkers.

Let me tell y'all, the bass fishing has been nothing short of spectacular this week! We're experiencing what I'm calling a "bass bonanza" with the dropping water levels forcing fish to concentrate in predictable areas[2]. The vegetation is thriving, creating perfect ambush points for those big girls.

Yesterday and throughout this week, anglers have been reporting excellent catches of largemouth bass, with many in the 4-6 pound range and several trophy-sized lunkers over 8 pounds[4]. The FWC TrophyCatch program has already recorded over 466 Lunker Club bass (8-9.9 pounds) and 68 Trophy Club bass (10-12.9 pounds) from Lake Okeechobee[5].

For you bass chasers, I'm recommending swim jigs in white or chartreuse, crankbaits that mimic shad, and jerkbaits in the early morning hours. As the day warms up, switch to creature baits, Senkos, or flipping jigs in the heavier cover[5]. If you're going with live bait, golden shiners remain your best bet for those trophy largemouths.

Crappie fishing has been soaring too, with the specks moving to deeper water as temperatures rise. Minnows suspended under a bobber around the outer edges of vegetation have been producing limits for many anglers.

Hot spots this weekend: Check out the entire west wall and areas north towards Bird Island which are fishing exceptionally well[5]. For those of you up north, Buckhead Ridge area and Kings Bar are producing consistent action. The deep dynamite holes near Clewiston to Ritta Island are also worth your time[5].

Be careful navigating out there, y'all. With these lower water levels, there are more navigational hazards popping up, so take it slow and watch for those shallow spots, especially if you're venturing into the marsh areas[5].

Remember, as water temperatures exceed 80 degrees, bass are finishing up their spawn but still feeding aggressively. They're starting to pull out from the marsh, so target those outside edges of vegetation for your best action[5].

That's all for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing until next time!

Good morning from Lake Okeechobee, this is Artificial Lure with your Friday, May 2nd, 2025 fishing report.

Dawn cracked at 6:41 am today and we’ll see the sun set at 7:56 pm. The weather is classic May on the Big O—expect temperatures rising into the low to mid 80s with light winds out of the southeast and mostly clear skies. We’ve had a dry spring, and the water level’s around 12.5 feet and slowly dropping, so be careful out there navigating, especially near the grass beds and rocky areas. As always, when in doubt, stick to the main channels or get yourself a local guide to show you the safe routes[1][2][4].

Fish activity has been red-hot, especially for bass and crappie. Bass fishing’s been outstanding this week, with most anglers catching 50 to 100 fish a day. There’s been plenty of 5- to 8-pound bass caught, and bigger ones are still out there—Lake Okeechobee continues to put up TrophyCatch lunkers over 8 pounds, with dozens breaking the double-digit mark this year[2][4]. Bass are active along the outside edges of the vegetation as water levels drop and the fish pull out of the marsh. Target the rim canal, the west wall, and along Bird Island, as well as up north near Buckhead Ridge and Kings Bar[2][4].

The best lures right now are swim jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits that imitate shad—fish are feeding heavy with shad running. Plastics like creature baits, senkos, and flukes rigged weedless are great for flipping and pitching into the thicker grass. If you want to go old school, nothing beats a big golden shiner under a float for those stubborn giants[2][4]. Crappie action has also been sizzling, with some boats boating 100 to 150 fish days, including slabs up to two pounds. Small jigs tipped with minnows are the ticket if you’re after specks[5].

Recent fishing trips around the lake have reported not just bass and crappie but also some snook action out of the nearby rivers, and even the odd trophy jack crevalle for a real fight. Folks are consistently happy with local guides who get you on the fish and keep you safe—always a good call especially if you don’t know your way around all the hazards[5].

For hot spots, try the outside grass lines near Clewiston, around the dynamite holes close to Ritta Island, and north to Buckhead Ridge and Kings Bar. The west wall and bird island are also producing solid numbers. Stick to early morning and late afternoon for the best bite as the water warms up in the afternoon.

Tight lines out there, and if you hook into one of those Okeechobee giants, remember to snap a photo for the TrophyCatch program. Stay safe and enjoy the best of what Florida fishing has to offer.

This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Lake Okeechobee fishing report.

Good morning anglers! The sun broke through the horizon at 6:44 AM today and will be setting around 7:54 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours to work those lines. Weather's looking mighty fine with temperatures expected to hit the mid-80s by midday, with a light breeze from the southeast at about 8-10 mph. Water conditions are calm this morning but expect a bit of chop as the day progresses.

Water levels have been steadily dropping for months now, sitting at around 12 feet, which is lower than we'd typically see this time of year. This water drop has been concentrating the fish around the remaining vegetation, canal entrances, and those sweet drop-off zones.

Bass fishing has been red hot lately! Reports from the past two weeks show anglers pulling in impressive catches, with some folks landing 7-pounders that'll make your heart race. Early mornings have been particularly productive with topwater lures – your buzzbaits and frogs working wonders along the edges of hydrilla and peppergrass. As the day heats up, switch to those 10-inch plastic worms in junebug or black/blue, or try some deep-diving crankbaits around the outer edges of vegetation.

The crappie bite has been absolutely on fire! Multiple guides reported 100-150 fish days with some real slabs in the 12-14 inch range, weighing up to two pounds. These specks are schooling up around submerged structure. Minnows under a float are still the go-to, but tiny jigs in chartreuse and white are also filling livewells.

Panfish action remains strong too, with bluegill and shellcracker hitting readily on red worms and crickets in the shallow vegetation areas.

For your hot spots, I'd recommend trying the Kissimmee River mouth where the falling water levels are forcing baitfish into more concentrated areas. Another prime location is the northwest section near Harney Pond Canal, where guides have been consistently finding good numbers of quality bass. If you're after those slabs of crappie, Eagle Bay and the areas around Observation Shoal have been producing limits.

Remember folks, with these lower water levels, be extra careful navigating – them unmarked stumps and sandbars are looking to ruin more than just your day.

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all, and remember – a bad day fishing still beats a good day working!

This is Artificial Lure coming to you with today’s fishing report for Lake Okeechobee, Florida, on April 23, 2025.

First light hit the water at 6:53 AM and sunset will be around 7:46 PM, giving us close to thirteen hours of daylight. Weather is prime for spring fishing: expect partly cloudy skies, a steady high around 81 degrees, and a low tonight near 66. Winds are blowing west-northwest at about 10 mph, which puts a ripple on the water but nothing that should keep you off the lake. Water levels have kept falling all spring and are sitting about 12 feet even, which is much lower than we’re used to this time of year, so watch for shallow flats and exposed structure when running your boat[1][5].

Now, to the fish. Bass action is still hot with the last of the spawn wrapping up. You’ll find plenty of largemouth, especially 3 to 5 pounders, tight to the remaining hydrilla, reed patches, and along canal mouths. Some anglers are hauling in bigger ones too. Top producing lures right now are Texas-rigged plastics—think watermelon or junebug—white swim jigs, and topwater frogs, especially early and late in the day. Slowing down your retrieve near vegetation edges is putting more fish in the boat[1][5].

Crappie fishing is on fire. It’s not uncommon to see boats pulling in 100 to 150 crappie a day, with a good number measuring 12 to 14 inches and weighing up to two pounds. Best bet is to use small jigs or live minnows, fishing around thicker reeds, Kissimmee grass, or submerged brush piles. The bite is strong in the early morning but can last through midday if you follow the schools[2][3][4].

If you’re out for panfish like bluegill and shellcracker, the bite is solid as well, especially near the rim canal and along the edges of the grassy flats. Use crickets or red worms for best results.

For today’s hot spots, try the Tin House Cove area for bass—work those outer edges and points. King’s Bar remains a crappie magnet, especially if you can locate some deeper submerged grass. Also, don’t overlook the West Wall marshes and the Buckhead Ridge area, especially with the lake levels this low.

That’s your April 23 Okeechobee report. Conditions are right, fish are hungry, and there’s no better time to wet a line. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water[1][2][3][4][5].

Good morning from Lake Okeechobee. This is Artificial Lure bringing you the latest fishing report for April 21, 2025. The sun rose at 6:52 am and will set around 7:56 pm, giving us a long day on the water. We’re seeing partly cloudy skies with temps topping out at 81 degrees and a gentle west-northwest breeze at about 10 miles an hour. The lake level sits at 12 feet, lower than average for this time of year, so access to some backwater spots is tighter, but the fish are definitely chewing if you know where to look.

Bass are still the big story this week. The bite remains strong, with most anglers reporting solid numbers and some nice size, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. Folks have been boating largemouths up to 6 pounds, with consistent action on plastics, swim jigs, and spinnerbaits. With the lower water, fish are stacking up along outside grass lines, drop-offs, and canal mouths. Try downsizing your baits a bit—Texas-rigged Senkos in watermelon or junebug, white swim jigs, and black and blue chatterbaits have all been producing.

Crappie action has really heated up too. Some groups are boating 100 to 150 fish in a day, with slabs running up to 14 inches and hitting that two-pound mark. For crappie, live minnows and small jigs are your top bets. Look for them around submerged vegetation and brush piles, especially near Kissimmee River and Tin House Cove.

Panfish are starting to show up as well, and the bluegill and shellcracker bite will just get better as waters warm further. Best baits are crickets and red worms fished under floats close to the edges of the grass beds.

For those targeting multi-species, the rim canal is holding a mix of bass, crappie, and the occasional bream. Spinnerbaits and live shiners in the canal mouths have been especially hot.

Hot spots this week are the north end by Harney Pond Canal for both bass and crappie, and the Tin House Cove area where fish are hugging the outside edges. Also, the King’s Bar and the island points along the west side are producing for those willing to move around and find the fish.

With the lower lake level and a bit of wind, focus on structure and edges and don’t be afraid to experiment. The fish are there, just a little more concentrated in the accessible water. Tight lines, and see you on the lake.

Good morning from the Big O. This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for Sunday, April 20, 2025.

The weather today is shaping up nicely for anglers. Expect partly cloudy skies with a high near 81 and a low close to 66. Winds are coming from the west-northwest around 10 mph, which will keep the air moving but may add a light chop to open water out on the lake. Plan to be on your toes if you’re running through the middle, but the bite should stay steady, especially if you tuck in around the grass lines and canals.

Sunrise was at 6:54 AM and sunset will be at 7:49 PM, so you’ve got a good long window to get after it. Water levels are still low—right around 12 feet, which is almost two feet below average for this time of year. With lower water, fish are stacking up around deeper holes, drop-offs, the mouths of canals, and any remaining thick vegetation patches. Electronics are a big help right now for finding the sweet spots.

Bass fishing is classic Okeechobee this week. Folks have been landing solid numbers, though you may have to work a bit harder to find them compared to when the water is high. Best tactics right now are downsizing your baits and keeping them subtle. The bite has been good on soft plastic worms and stick baits, with watermelon red and junebug being local favorites. Topwater lures early in the morning in the grass lines can draw some explosive action. Live wild shiners are still king if you want a shot at a trophy bass.

The crappie bite has been on fire all spring and is still going strong. Limits have been easy for most folks, with regular catches of 100 to 150 fish in a morning, and lots of slabs in the 12 to 14 inch range weighing up to two pounds. Jigs tipped with minnows and slow-trolled in the open water or along reed edges have been the ticket.

A few reports of snook and big jacks are coming in from the river mouths and connected canals, especially around first and last light.

For hot spots, check out the Tin House Cove area on the northwest side for bass and crappie, and the mouth of the Kissimmee River is always worth a look this time of year with the low water. Harney Pond Canal is another classic for numbers, both bass and panfish.

That’s the word from Lake Okeechobee today. With the water low, the crowds light, and the fish biting, it’s a great time to get out there. Stay safe, be mindful of shallow water, and tight lines to all.

Good morning from Lake Okeechobee, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025.

We’re in classic spring conditions out here on the Big O. The sunrise hit around 6:51 a.m. and you’ll have daylight until sunset at 7:51 p.m., giving you a solid window to get your lines wet. Weather today is looking ideal for anglers, with partly cloudy skies, a comfortable high near 81 degrees and a low of about 66. Winds out of the west-northwest are steady at around 10 mph, so expect a light chop in open water and maybe a little color stirred up in the shallows. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and a light jacket for the early hours[4].

Water levels are trending low for this time of year, sitting at about 12 feet, which means fish are stacking up around remaining vegetation, drop-offs, and the canal mouths. Focus your efforts where there’s some cover left, especially along the outside grass lines, reed heads, and near boat trails. Electronics are your friend right now—use them to find hard spots and subtle ledges that might be holding a school[4].

Bass action has been steady, with some reports of anglers filling freezers and a few folks landing lunkers over 7 pounds. Scale back your presentations; think smaller soft plastics like Senkos and Speed Worms, with natural colors like watermelon and junebug doing well in the thinner water. Topwater frogs and popping baits have been producing good strikes early and late. Live shiners are always a classic option and still putting big fish in the boat[3][4].

Crappie fishing has been absolutely on fire. Folks are seeing days with 100 to 150 fish, plenty of slabs in the 12 to 14-inch range and some even up to 2 pounds. Jigs in white or chartreuse are the go-to, with the bite best around brush piles and deeper holes in the rim canal and the mouth of Taylor Creek. Minnows under a cork are also getting it done, especially on calmer days[2][3].

If you’re looking for hotspots today, start with the Tin House Cove and Buckhead Ridge areas for bass, and don’t overlook the North Shore around Kings Bar for both crappie and bass. The Kissimmee River mouth and Eagle Bay are also holding good numbers of fish, especially with the current slightly lower than normal.

Tides aren’t a major factor here since Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake, but wind-driven water movement can still make a difference. Today’s breeze will push water to the southeast, so fish the windblown points and pockets when you can[4].

To sum up, bring your patience, downsize your offerings, and get ready for a mixed bag. Lake Okeechobee is fishing well and this weekend looks prime for a big catch or two.

Tight lines and see you on the water!

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report for Friday, April 18, 2025

Howdy from Lake Okeechobee, your local expert Artificial Lure with the latest on the Big O! Today’s fishing conditions are looking prime, with early morning fog burning off to reveal partly cloudy skies and temps rising into the upper 70s by midday. Winds will be light, making for smooth boating across the main lake and canals.

Sunrise hit at 7:09 AM and sunset will be at 7:42 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight to work the hot bite. Water levels are running low around 12 feet, so be careful running in skinny water and stick to known trails and deeper cuts[4][8]. Lower water means fish are more concentrated, especially near the outside grass lines, drop-offs, and any remaining thicker mats of vegetation[8][1]. Tides don’t move much on the lake itself, but the moon phase favors early and late feeding windows—get out at dawn or fish till dark for best activity[5][1].

Bass are still stealing the show. The bite is hot around bream beds and the outside edge of the Kissimmee grass. Frogs, swim jigs, and buzz baits are producing aggressive topwater strikes early, while cut-tail worms and Senkos worked slow in watermelon red, junebug, or black/blue are turning up big post-spawn females as the day warms up[1][6][9]. Deeper water near the Kissimmee River, Taylor Creek, and canals like the C-41A have been giving up hefty largemouth to Carolina rigs, crankbaits, and creature baits—don’t underestimate a deep-diving crank or a big shaky worm[9][1]. Wild shiners are still the go-to live bait if you’re hunting for a true Okeechobee giant[10].

The crappie bite is absolutely on fire, with anglers reporting limits of thick specks up to 2 pounds. Harney Pond Canal and the rim ditch are the places to be, with live minnows or chartreuse jigs fished around submerged brush and deeper holes. Twenty-five fish limits have been the norm for patient anglers working these areas[3][5].

Pan fishermen are in luck too—bluegill and shellcracker are moving up to bed and feeding hard in shallows near Buckhead Ridge, Clewiston, and Grassy Island. Use live crickets, beetle spins, or red worms under a bobber for non-stop action[1][5]. You’ll find fun bonus action with Mayan cichlids in the canals, especially around Indian Prairie and near the locks, using worms or small artificials.

A couple of hot spots for today include the Monkey Box and Harney Pond Canal for bass and crappie, and the grassy flats near Tin House and Indian Prairie for panfish[1][5][10].

In short, fish are active, the weather is pleasant, and the lake is loaded up and ready. Get out there, keep an eye on water depth, and don’t be afraid to mix up your lures and techniques. Good luck and tight lines from your friend Artificial Lure!

Hello folks, this is Artificial Lure reporting on the fishing conditions around Lake Okeechobee, Florida. As of today, April 16, 2025, the weather is looking perfect for a day on the water, with clear skies and a gentle breeze. Sunrise was at 6:53 AM, and we can expect sunset around 7:58 PM.

Lake Okeechobee's water levels have been slowly falling, so it's important to exercise caution while navigating. The recent fishing reports have been incredible, with a lot of action from largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and shell crackers. The crappie bite has been particularly active, with reports of catching 100 to 150 fish per day, including some nice ones weighing up to two pounds.

For bass, the best action has been around the bream beds using frogs, cut tail worms, flap'n shad baits, swim jigs, and small buzz baits for top-water action. As the morning progresses, it's a good idea to move to the outside grass edge with senkos, worms, and flipping or pitching creature-style lures. When the water temperatures rise, fishing deeper waters in areas like the Kissimmee River and J&S canal can be rewarding with deep diving crankbaits and topwater along the edges.

Live crickets are ideal for catching bluegill and shell crackers, while red worms can also work, though you might catch some fingerling catfish. For bream fishing, use an ultra-light spinning rod/reel with 4lb test mono line, small split shot, hook, and bobber if preferred.

Some hotspots to try include Tin House, Indian Prairie, Observation Shoal, Kings Bar, Grassy, and areas around J&S.

Lastly, remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water as the sun can get intense during the late morning hours. Stay safe and enjoy your time on the Big O