Lake Okeechobee's Bass and Crappie Spawn Bring Fishing Frenzy to Florida's Iconic Lake

As of January 23, 2025, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with fishing activity, especially with the bass and crappie spawn in full swing. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Tides and Water Levels
While Lake Okeechobee doesn’t have traditional tides like coastal areas, water levels can fluctuate. As of recent reports, the water level is around 15.56 ft NGVD, which is relatively stable but requires caution as levels can drop during the dry season[4].

### Weather and Time
Today, you can expect a typical Florida winter day with mild temperatures. Sunrise is at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM. Check the local weather forecast for any updates, but generally, it should be a pleasant day for fishing.

### Fish Activity
The bass and crappie are very active right now. For bass, focus on areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area, and into Moonshine Bay. The Monkey Box, Whidden’s Pass, Dyess Ditch, Indian Prairie, and Tin House are also hot spots. On the east side, J&S is another good location if you’re willing to make the run on a low-wind day[1].

For crappie, try Dupree Bar on the north side, around Sportsman’s, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River. These areas have been producing decent catches of both bass and crappie.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good number of largemouth bass caught, with several reports of fish in the 5-7 pound range. Crappie catches were also strong, with many anglers filling their coolers. Panfish and bluegill are also active, adding to the variety of fish you can target[1][5].

### Best Lures and Bait
For largemouth bass, Texas rigs with soft plastics, bladed jigs, and frogs/toads are working well. Swim jigs and hard topwater baits like walking baits are also effective. For crappie, soft swimbaits and small jigs are the way to go[5].

### Hot Spots
- **Belle Glade**: Known as the bay bottom, this area between Grassy Island and Torry Island is great for both bass and crappie. It offers calm waters and good shoreline fishing opportunities[3].
- **Monkey Box**: This area is notorious for largemouth bass and is a must-visit if you’re after a big catch[3].

With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you’re set for a fun and productive day on Lake Okeechobee. Enjoy your fishing trip