Fishing Report for Lake Okeechobee: Ideal Weather, Robust Bass and Crappie Bite - January 30, 2025

Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Okeechobee as of January 30, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. It's looking pretty good out there, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, making it ideal for a day on the water. Sunrise today is at about 7:05 AM, and sunset will be around 6:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to catch some big ones.

Now, since Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake, we don't have to worry about tides, but it's worth noting that nearby coastal areas are experiencing a falling tide, which can sometimes influence fish behavior in estuarine areas if you decide to venture there.

The fish activity on Lake Okeechobee has been robust lately. The bass and crappie spawn has been in full swing since last month, so now is the perfect time to target these species. Recently, anglers have been catching a good number of largemouth bass, particularly in areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area, and into Moonshine Bay. Crappie have also been abundant around Dupree bar, Sportsman’s, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River.

For bass, you'll want to use lures that mimic their natural prey. Live worms, crayfish, and insects on scented and colored lures work well. Drifting slowly along the surface or flicking your lure over dense vegetation can attract hungry fish. For crappie, small jigs and minnows are usually effective.

If you're looking for hot spots, Clewiston is a great area to fish from shore or by boat, especially the monkey box area which is notorious for largemouth bass. Another good spot is Belle Glade, also known as bay bottom, which is calm and perfect for shoreline fishing, especially for black crappie.

In Belle Glade, the waters are comparatively calm, making it an ideal spot to get your fish from the shoreline. The southern end of the lake from Cochran’s Pass to Bay Bottom has also been producing good limits of crappie, especially when jigging near the edges of vegetation stands.

Remember to check the current water level, which as of December 9, 2024, was at 15.56 ft NGVD, and boat with caution as levels may have changed since then.

With the right bait and technique, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee. Don't forget to keep an eye out for Mayan Cichlids, a non-native species with no bag or size limit, which can be targeted easily with live worms, crickets, or small artificial baits.

Good luck out there, and tight lines