Artificial Lure here with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Sunrise hit at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be around 6:48 PM. With the new moon just past and the solunar tables showing “excellent” conditions, expect major activity between 12:24–2:24 AM and again from 12:52–2:52 PM, with minors running 7:25–9:25 AM and 6:19–8:19 PM. That means your early daylight bite and late afternoon into dusk can be special for bass and panfish, especially with overlapping minor and twilight[1].
The weather’s cranking it up a notch—NE winds will blow 10–15 knots this morning, then pick up to 15–20 knots with gusts likely hitting 25 knots by midday. That wind is stacking up a moderate to choppy lake surface, so prep for bumpy rides and work protected bays and canals where possible. Temperatures will peak in the lower 80s but it’ll feel cooler on the lake with the breeze and passing clouds. Small craft should exercise caution as conditions could go rough fast, especially into Friday where gusts climb toward 30 knots[8].
Lake levels have settled back from last year, sitting at 13.93 feet, which pushes fish tighter to submerged vegetation, hard structure, and clearer pockets. Recent aquatic plant control by the FWC means some areas may look different, so scout for healthy edges and transition zones[5][4].
Bass are still king on Okeechobee. Local reports from guides and last week's tournaments say largemouth action is hot, with plenty of fish in the 2–4 lb class, some pushing 7 lbs coming from pepper grass and hydrilla beds on the southeast and around Eagle Bay and Nubbin Slough. Crappie (specks) are also ramping up as the water cools, with limits coming on minnows and small jigs near the Kissimmee River mouth and Harney Pond Canal. Catfish are steady for folks soaking cut bait on the deeper edges. Occasional bluegill and shellcracker are mixed in for panfish fans[2][7][9].
When it comes to tackle, best baits right now are:
- Black/blue or junebug soft plastic worms and creature baits
- White/chartreuse spinnerbaits and chatterbaits when the wind muddies up the water
- Lipless crankbaits and swim jigs are scoring well around shad schools
- For crappie, small chartreuse/white jigs or live minnows under a slip bobber are top producers
Live shiners are the go-to for trophy bass if you want a shot at those big girls that roam the weed edges and open water. Bass are feeding aggressive in the wind, so fan-cast high-action lures and be ready for explosive strikes[2].
Hot spots for today:
- Nubbin Slough: sheltered from wind, loaded with grass and current seams
- Eagle Bay: great for morning and late afternoon with thick vegetation and deeper pockets
- Harney Pond Canal: ramps and canal edges are crappie gold with steady bass action on the points
For shore anglers, Captain Bills Fish Camp Marina and nearby Eagle Bay offer solid access and bank fishing. If the wind gets too rough on open water, sneak back into Popash Slough or Lemkin Creek, especially late afternoon and dusk when fish move shallow.
Remember, flounder and stone crab seasons are changing, so stay up to date on regs if you’re hopping over to saltwater. And with recent plant spraying on the lake, check out fresh habitat edges—bass and bait pile up where new growth meets open water, especially as lake levels drop[4][5].
That wraps it up for today, folks—Lake Okeechobee’s bass bite is strong, crappie are heating up, and the autumn wind is putting fish on the chew. Be safe out there and keep that drag set right.
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