Fishing Lake Okeechobee
AKA: The Big O
Popular Fish Species Lake Okeechobee, FL
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.
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.
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.
Lake Okeechobee Fishing Video
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 is the largest lake in Florida. Covering over 730 square miles, it 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
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.
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. Crappie, also known as speckled perch, are abundant in Lake Okeechobee. Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, are also popular targets in Lake Okeechobee.
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 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.
- January 74° - 50°
- February 78° - 52°
- March 80° - 56°
- April 84° - 60°
- May 89° - 67°
- June 91° - 71°
- July 92° - 72°
- August 92° - 73°
- September 90° - 72°
- October 87° - 66°
- November 80° - 60°
- December 75° - 53°
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 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.
021925
Lake Okeechobee in Florida.
FLORIDA
Information about fishing lakes in Florida
Lake Okeechobee offers crappie, bluegill, catfish, pickerel, bowfin, gar, sunfish and bass fishing in southern-central Florida. Lake Okeechobee in Florida offers great fishing plus boat, bass boat and pontoon boat rentals.
