Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share with you the latest fishing report for Lake Okeechobee as of February 9, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a partly cloudy sky with a high of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. 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 current water level is a bit higher than normal for this time of year, but that's not deterring the fish from biting.
Lake Okeechobee, affectionately known as the "Big O," is in prime condition for fishing right now. The bass and crappie spawn has been in full swing since last month, making this an ideal time to catch some big ones. The lake's shallow waters, rarely exceeding 9 feet in depth, are filled with diverse vegetation like bulrush, hay fields, and needle grass, providing perfect habitats for our target species.
For bass fishing, you'll want to 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. Recently, anglers have been catching bass using live golden shiners, plastic worms, spinner baits, and frog-style baits. Flipping lures into the vegetation often produces the larger bass.
Crappie fishing is also excellent, with areas like Dupree Bar on the north side, around Sportsman's, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River being particularly productive. For crappie, jigs and minnows are your best bet. Live-minnows work best when anchored and fishing the river or grass edges, while jigs are more effective in and around the grass. Jig colors to try include white, chartreuse, green, pink, and some orange, with the color choice depending greatly on water clarity and depth.
One of the hot spots to consider is Moonshine Bay. This area is fishable even on windy days and has seen some decent catches recently. Be prepared for variable results, but it's definitely worth a try. Another prime spot is Clewiston, located on the Southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee. The Monkey Box area here is notorious for largemouth bass, making it a prime spot for those looking to land a big catch.
In recent trips, anglers have been catching a significant number of bass and crappie. For instance, a father-son duo from Illinois caught around 20 largemouth bass in a quick 4-hour trip, with most of the fish weighing between 3-4 pounds. Another angler caught a 7-pound bass, which was the biggest of his life.
Remember, the lake has a 5-bass limit per angler, with only one of those bass allowed to be over 18 inches in length.
In conclusion, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with fish activity right now, and with the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a fantastic day on the water. So grab your gear, and let's get fishing. Tight lines, everyone
