Lake Okeechobee Fishing Update: Bass, Crappie, and Panfish Bite Strong Despite Low Water Levels Podcast By cover art

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Update: Bass, Crappie, and Panfish Bite Strong Despite Low Water Levels

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Update: Bass, Crappie, and Panfish Bite Strong Despite Low Water Levels

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 Lake Okeechobee anglers, it’s Artificial Lure here with your June 20, 2025, fishing report, and let me tell you, it’s hot in more ways than one! The weather’s been a typical south Florida stew—highs reaching the low 90s by midday, with some gusty winds popping up in the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:29 a.m. and sunset will hit at 8:17 p.m., giving you those long daylight hours perfect for chasing big ones. Water levels are lower than average, hovering right around the 11-foot mark, so be mindful out there—some marsh edges and shallows are tight this time of year.

Bass fishing has been steady and solid, especially for folks working the Kissimmee River and the canals. If you can get out early, those outside edges of vegetation—especially near Buckhead Ridge, Kings Bar, and anywhere from Tin House down to Indian Prairie—all have been producing. There’s been some good action around Horse Island and the shoal too, especially for those who like picking apart grass mats and drop-offs.

Big worms—think 10-inch in Junebug or red shad—have been pulling big bites. Deep-diving crankbaits and mid-size swimbaits in tilapia, white, or bream colors are working great along ledges and points just outside the main current. Topwater lures early—like a classic Zara Spook or a hollow-bodied frog—are getting smashed right at sun-up. If you want to go old school, nothing beats live golden shiners for tempting trophy bass, and folks are still reporting monster catches, including a couple of “Trophy Catch” entries landing bass over 8 pounds. Just ask Howard from Illinois—two trophies, twenty minutes apart! Slow and steady wins the race out here, take your time and fish thorough.

Crappie are still hot, believe it or not. Bridge pilings, especially those with a bit of current, are schooling up slabs in the 12–14 inch range. Some boats are racking up 100-plus fish days, with some slabs tipping the scale at nearly two pounds. Small minnows and white or chartreuse jigs are the ticket for these.

Bluegill and bream are keeping things lively for family anglers. The panfish bite is strong in the shallows near the shoal and along grassy banks with a bit of shade. Crickets and red worms under floats will keep kids busy all day.

Two hotspots to circle for your weekend:
- The Tin House Cove area for a mixed bag—bass early, panfish all day.
- The west wall up toward Bird Island, where the dynamite holes are holding good numbers of big bass and the crappie schools haven’t thinned out yet.

Remember, with the lake running low, keep an eye out for underwater hazards and stick to marked trails if you’re new.

Thanks for tuning in, make sure to subscribe for more tips and local insight. This has been a Quiet Please Production; for more, check out quietplease.ai.
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