Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake Okeechobee as of February 10th, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of around 73 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle southeast wind blowing about 13 miles per hour. Sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM, giving us a good long day to get out on the water. The conditions are just about perfect for some prime fishing.
Lake Okeechobee is currently sitting at 14.32 feet above sea level, which is a bit lower than this time last year, but there's still plenty of water out there and the fish are biting. Since Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake, we don't have to worry about tides, 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.
Bass fishing has been phenomenal lately. 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, recent trips have seen clients catch up to 25 largemouth bass in a single outing. The bass are moving up shallow looking for warmer spots, so you'll find them around the edges of the grass beds and near any kind of cover they can find.
For bass fishing, focus on areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area and into the opening that leads into Moonshine Bay. The Monkey Box, Whidden's Pass, Dyess Ditch, Indian Prairie, and Tin House are also hot spots. If you're willing to make the run on a low-wind day, the east side around J&S is worth a try. Live golden shiners are a top choice, but artificial lures like plastic worms, spinner baits, and frog-style baits are also highly effective.
Crappie fishing is also on fire right now. These tasty fellas are hanging out around brush piles and other structure, so keep an eye out for those. Areas like Dupree Bar on the north side, around Sportsman's, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River are particularly productive. Jigs tipped with minnows or small jigs will do the trick.
For you catfish lovers, Lake Okeechobee has plenty to offer. These bottom feeders can be found in the deeper holes and channels. Chicken livers, nightcrawlers, or cut bait will all entice a catfish to bite.
Let's highlight a couple of hot spots for today. First, Moonshine Bay is a great area even on windy days and has seen some decent catches recently. Be prepared for variable results, but it's definitely worth a try. Second, Clewiston, located on the Southwest shore, offers great fishing from both shore and boat. The Monkey Box area here is notorious for largemouth bass, making it a prime spot for those looking to land a big catch.
Remember, the lake has a 5-bass limit per angler, with only one of those bass allowed to be over 18 inches in length. Always be respectful of the lake and the creatures that call it home.
So grab your gear, and let's get fishing The fish are active, and with the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a fantastic day on the water. Tight lines, everyone
