Fishing Lake Okeechobee in February 2025: Spectacular Bass, Crappie, and Mayan Cichlid Action

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing around Lake Okeechobee. As of today, February 3rd, 2025, the fishing scene here is nothing short of spectacular.

First off, let's talk about the weather. We're looking at a partly cloudy day with a high of around 75 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. This kind of weather is perfect for getting out on the water, especially since the wind isn't too strong to disrupt our lines.

Sunrise today was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch those big ones. Now, Lake Okeechobee doesn't have tides like coastal areas, but the water levels and moon phases play a significant role in fish activity. With the moon in its waxing crescent phase, we can expect the bass to be moving into the shallows, preparing for the spawn.

Recently, the bass fishing here has been phenomenal. Anglers have been catching a plethora of largemouth bass, with many in the 3-4 pound range and some real lunkers tipping the scales at over 6 pounds. For instance, Captain Mark Shepard and Captain Mark Rogers have reported trips where clients caught up to 25 largemouth bass in a single outing, with the largest ones weighing in at around 5.5 pounds[1][4].

When it comes to the best spots, Clewiston is one of my top recommendations. Located on the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee, this area offers excellent access to prime fishing grounds. The Monkey Box area is notorious for its largemouth bass, and you can't go wrong fishing from shore or by boat here[1][3].

Another hot spot is the Kissimmee River and the surrounding canals like the Indian Prairie Canal and Harney Pond Canal. These areas have been incredibly productive for both bass and crappie. For crappie, try Dupree Bar on the north side and around Sportsman’s area[2][4].

As for the best lures and bait, live bait is always a winner here. Wild-caught live shiners are a favorite among local guides and anglers for catching big bass. However, if you prefer artificial lures, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and jigs can be very effective. For crappie, small jigs and minnows are the way to go[1][4].

In addition to bass and crappie, Lake Okeechobee is also home to a thriving population of Mayan Cichlids, which can be targeted easily with live worms, crickets, or small artificial baits. These non-native species have no bag or size limit, making them a fun and tasty catch[2].

In conclusion, if you're looking to land that fish of a lifetime, now is the perfect time to be on Lake Okeechobee. With the right bait, the right spots, and a bit of local knowledge, you're set for an unforgettable fishing experience. So pack your gear, grab your favorite lure, and get ready to reel in some big ones. Tight lines, everyone