Good morning, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for Friday, June 6th, 2025.
Sunrise on the Big O hit around 6:30 a.m., with sunset expected at 8:13 p.m. We started the day with clear skies and a light southerly breeze—perfect conditions for anglers looking to get on early action before the summer heat settles in. Water temperatures are already on the rise, hitting the low 80s by midday, while the lake level holds steady around 11 feet. Water clarity is good to excellent in most areas, especially along the outside grass lines and selected flats, with just a bit of tannic stain in some backwater pockets.
Largemouth bass are the main draw right now, and they’re biting well. According to Captain Mark Shepard’s recent update, June brings some of the year’s best chances at both big numbers and trophy fish. The shad are running, bluegill are still bedding, and bass are cruising the clean water on the flats, especially around the outside edges of vegetation. Key areas producing consistent action are Grassy Island, Bay Bottom, and the shoals along the west wall near Clewiston to Ritta Island. Don’t overlook the northern stretches around Buckhead Ridge and Kings Bar, where the outside reed lines are holding fish.
The best action this week has come on artificial lures: white or shad-colored swim jigs, jerkbaits, Senkos, and flipping jigs in dark colors. When the sun gets high, pitching creature baits and big flukes into the thicker hydrilla and pencil reeds has pulled out some beautiful bass. For live bait fans, nothing beats a lively golden shiner fished on the edges of open water and vegetation pockets. Multiple anglers have reported 20- to 30-fish mornings with a few pushing 6–8 pounds. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s TrophyCatch program just logged several Lunker Club bass out of Okeechobee this past week.
Crappie and panfish are still active, particularly in Fisheating Creek and the rim canal. According to Captain Experiences, crappie anglers have been seeing days of 100+ fish, with lots of slabs running 12–14 inches—best on minnows, but small beetle spins and jigs under floats are also getting the job done.
If you’re looking for hot spots, Bay Bottom between Belle Glade and Grassy Island is on fire for both bass and panfish. Fisheating Creek remains a top option for a more laid-back, scenic bite, especially for crappie and bluegill.
The Okeechobee tides aren’t a major factor for this inland lake, but wind direction can push bait into certain areas, so follow the breeze to find feeding fish in clear, moving water.
Get out there early, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on the clouds for those afternoon pop-up storms.
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