Fishing Lake Okeechobee

AKA: The Big O

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lake Okeechobee, FL

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Okeechobee is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.

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Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Okeechobee. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

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Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Lake Okeechobee. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, warmouth, bowfin, chain pickerel and longnose gar at Lake Okeechobee in Florida.

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Video

Lake Okeechobee, the largest lake in Florida, is commonly referred to as "The Big O". It is a 448,000-acre lake located in the southern-central part of the state, at the town of Okeechobee. Like many Florida lakes it is shallow, with a maximum depth of thirteen feet. The Kissimmee River is the primary source of water that flows into the lake, along with numerous other smaller creeks and rivers. With daytime high temperatures from mid-70's to low 90's, year round, it is a popular boating and fishing destination.

Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee, often referred to as the "Big O," is one of the most renowned fishing destinations in Florida and is known for its outstanding bass fishing. Covering over 730 square miles, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities.

Bass fishing is the primary attraction on Lake Okeechobee, and it is considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. The lake is famous for its trophy-sized largemouth bass, with many anglers targeting these prized fish. The expansive shallow areas, abundant vegetation, and submerged structures provide ideal habitat for bass to thrive. Techniques such as flipping, pitching, and topwater fishing are popular among anglers targeting these hard-fighting predators.

In addition to bass, Lake Okeechobee also offers excellent fishing for other popular species. Catfish, including channel catfish and bullhead catfish, can be found throughout the lake and provide thrilling angling opportunities. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as cut bait, live bait, or stink baits. Fishing near the lake's deeper channels or around submerged structures can yield great catches.

Crappie, also known as speckled perch, are abundant in Lake Okeechobee and offer exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch crappie year-round, but the best time is during the cooler months when they gather in larger schools. Fishing around submerged vegetation or fishing docks using jigs or live minnows can result in productive crappie fishing trips.

Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, are also popular targets in Lake Okeechobee. These colorful and feisty fish can be found near the lake's shorelines, docks, or submerged structures. Using small hooks baited with worms, crickets, or small pieces of bread can lead to a fun-filled day of sunfish action for anglers of all ages.

Lake Okeechobee in Florida is a world-class fishing destination known for its exceptional bass fishing. With its diverse fishery and abundant populations of bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and chain pickerel, the lake offers endless angling opportunities. Boating and camping facilities further enhance the fishing experience, making Lake Okeechobee a must-visit destination for avid anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Largemouth bass - big bass are the primary draw for fishermen. The lake is also a favorite of crappie, bluegill, catfish, pickerel, bowfin, gar and sunfish anglers. And with 135 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of places to wet a line.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Okeechobee

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bass Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

Warm, shallow water with lots of cover and food supply make The Big O a haven for big Florida bass. In spring lots of monster bass move into very shallow water during the pre-spawn and spawn. They make nests among the reeds and vegetation and feed heavily during the pre-spawn. Okeechobee hosts annual bass tournaments for Bass Elite Series, FLW and many other national and local tournament organizations.

Crappie Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

Crappie, or speckled perch (specks) as they are known locally, are abundant on Okeechobee. Find schools of baitfish and the crappie are likely to be hanging with them. Best time to fish for crappie is the cooler months of autumn through spring. Live minnows and crappie jigs trolled deep account for the vast number of catches here.

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Reports, Forums & Blogs

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Forum

Lake Okeechobee Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Average Weather

Average high and average low, monthly temperatures at Lake Okeechobee.

Lake Okeechobee offers ample opportunities for boating and camping. Boaters can explore the vast open waters of the lake and navigate through its numerous fishing hotspots. The lake is well-suited for both motorized boats and kayaks, allowing anglers to access different areas of the lake. Camping facilities are available around the lake, providing anglers with the option to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Okeechobee.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Jolly Roger Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
863) 983-7402

Roland Martin Marine Center
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
863 983-2128

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

C Scott Driver Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, west side, at the north end of the State Highway 78 Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.

Herbert Hoover Dike Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Herbert Hoover Dike, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lake Okeechobee Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off State Highway 78, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Pahokee Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off N Lake Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Roland Martin Public Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Hoover Dike Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

South Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Levee Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

Pahokee Campground & Marina
190 North Lake Avenue
Pahokee, FL 33430
561 924-7832

Roland Martin Marina
920 E. Del Monte Ave
Clewiston, FL 33440
863 983-3151

Fishing Guides On Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Guides by BASS PRO - bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Florida Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

KOA Kampground - 863 763-0231

Lake Okeechobee Outpost - 561 924-7832

South Bay RV Campground - 561 992-9045

Zachary Taylor Camping Resort - 863 763-3377

Lake Okeechobee Information

Marinas & Boat Slips

Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina - 863 983-3151

Boat, Houseboat & Jet Ski Rental

Jolly Roger Marina Boat Rentals - 863 983-7402

Rentals & Lodging Nearby Lake Okeechobee

Choose from a wide variety of accommodations at, and nearby the lake, including motels, resorts, cabins and vacation rentals.

Resorts

Pier II Resort - 863 763-8003

Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina and Resort - 863 983-3151

Hotels & Motels

Best Western of Clewiston - 863 983-3400

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Clewiston - 863 983-5100

Seminole Inn - 772 597-3777

Travelodge Suites - 863 824-3431

Vacation Rentals

Perfect Drive Golf Villas - 772 873-0515

Real Estate, Homes & Property

Todd Realty - 561 924-7600

Lake Okeechobee FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Okeechobee
Roland Martin Marina & Resort
920 E Del Monte Ave
Clewiston, FL 33440
863 983-3151

Fishing lakes in each state.

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