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"Okeechobee Fishing Report: Bass and Crappie Thriving in Ideal Conditions"
Published 1 year, 4 months ago
Description
As of December 20, 2024, Lake Okeechobee is offering some exceptional fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
First off, the lake stage is at 14.11 feet NAVD88, which is the lowest December level since 2019. This lower water level has concentrated the fish in certain areas, making them easier to find. Average daily outflows have increased to 5,040 cfs, but this hasn’t seemed to affect the fish activity negatively.
The weather is mild, with minimal rain in the past week, just 0.09 inches directly over the lake. Sunrise today is at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 5:32 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.
Bass and crappie fishing are in full swing. For bass, you can expect to catch some monsters, especially around areas like Observation Shoal, the Monkey Box, North/West side of Dupree Bar, and around Dyess Ditch and Horse Island. Lures that are working well include worms, swim jigs, swim baits, spinner baits, slow-working top waters, popping frogs, and shallow jerk baits. The flipping and pitching technique is also highly effective.
For crappie, live minnows and specialist crappie jigs on light spinning gear are your best bets. Areas like Belle Glade, also known as bay bottom, between Grassy Island and Torry Island, are hot spots for black crappie.
If you’re looking for specific spots, consider starting at Observation Shoal, working your way back towards the 2nd pole and into Moonshine Bay. The Monkey Box and areas around Indian Prairie are also producing good results.
Overall, the fish are active, and with the right lures and bait, you’re in for a great day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
First off, the lake stage is at 14.11 feet NAVD88, which is the lowest December level since 2019. This lower water level has concentrated the fish in certain areas, making them easier to find. Average daily outflows have increased to 5,040 cfs, but this hasn’t seemed to affect the fish activity negatively.
The weather is mild, with minimal rain in the past week, just 0.09 inches directly over the lake. Sunrise today is at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 5:32 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.
Bass and crappie fishing are in full swing. For bass, you can expect to catch some monsters, especially around areas like Observation Shoal, the Monkey Box, North/West side of Dupree Bar, and around Dyess Ditch and Horse Island. Lures that are working well include worms, swim jigs, swim baits, spinner baits, slow-working top waters, popping frogs, and shallow jerk baits. The flipping and pitching technique is also highly effective.
For crappie, live minnows and specialist crappie jigs on light spinning gear are your best bets. Areas like Belle Glade, also known as bay bottom, between Grassy Island and Torry Island, are hot spots for black crappie.
If you’re looking for specific spots, consider starting at Observation Shoal, working your way back towards the 2nd pole and into Moonshine Bay. The Monkey Box and areas around Indian Prairie are also producing good results.
Overall, the fish are active, and with the right lures and bait, you’re in for a great day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI