Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Bass and Crappie Bonanza


Episode Artwork
1.0x
0% played 00:00 00:00
Feb 10 2025 3 mins  
Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake Okeechobee as of February 10, 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 conditions are just about perfect for some prime fishing.

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. Bass are being caught using live golden shiners, plastic worms, spinner baits, and frog-style baits. Flipping lures into the vegetation often produces the larger bass.

Recently, anglers have been catching 5 to 10-pound bass regularly, and occasionally, 10 to 12-pound bass show up. The lake record stands at 15 pounds 5 ounces, so there's always a chance to catch a monster. 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.

Given the current conditions, 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. Another spot worth mentioning is Moonshine Bay, which is fishable even on windy days and has seen some decent catches recently.

On the north end, launching out of Scott Driver Park on the Kissimmee River or Harney Pond canal in Lakeport can also be very productive. These areas provide easy access to the lake's diverse habitats and are particularly good for catching both bass and crappie.

In terms of bait, live-shiners have been increasing the chances of landing that big bass, especially when dealing with mixed weather conditions. On calmer days, throwing lures such as top water baits, worms, popping frogs, and swim baits can be very effective.

Remember, the lake has a 5-bass limit per angler, with only one of those bass allowed to be over 18 inches in length. So, make sure to check the local regulations before you head out.

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