Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Ideal Conditions for Bass and Crappie Anglers

As of January 12, 2025, Lake Okeechobee is offering some fantastic fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

First off, the weather is looking great with mostly sunny skies and near-zero rain chances, making it an ideal day to be out on the lake. Sunrise was at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:45 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.

The water level at Lake Okeechobee is currently at 15.15 feet, which is 0.50 feet above normal for this time of year. This elevation is within the operational band and should provide good fishing conditions.

The bass and crappie spawn has been in full swing since last month, so expect a lot of activity from these species. Yesterday, anglers reported catching several largemouth bass, some of which were in the 10-pound range, as well as a good number of black crappie. Live minnows and specialist crappie jigs on light spinning gear were the go-to choices for crappie, while worms and crawfish were favored for the largemouth bass.

For those targeting largemouth bass, the monkey box area near Clewiston is a hot spot. This area is notorious for producing big bass and can be fished from both shore and boat. Another great spot is the Belle Glade area, known as the bay bottom, which is excellent for black crappie and offers relatively calm waters.

Given the current water clarity issues in some areas due to recent rainfall, it’s important to be flexible with your fishing techniques. Areas less affected by runoff will have better clarity, allowing for more precise targeting of fish.

In summary, today is a great day to hit Lake Okeechobee with its favorable weather and active fish populations. Use live minnows and crappie jigs for crappie, and worms or crawfish for largemouth bass, and head to spots like Clewiston and Belle Glade for some exciting fishing.