As of November 3, 2024, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with exciting fishing opportunities, making it a perfect time to hit the water. The water level is currently around 15 feet, slightly fluctuating due to recent rains and the approaching winter season.

The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, ideal for a day of fishing. Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM. These early morning and late afternoon to early evening periods are crucial for catching bass and bream.

Fishing activity is robust, especially for largemouth bass, peacock bass, and panfish. Bass are staging for their winter spawn, concentrating along the outside fringes of inshore spawning grounds. Yesterday saw a good number of bass caught, with some larger females weighing up to 8 pounds. Anglers reported catching around 20 bass in a few hours.

For bass, effective lures include worms, swim baits, shallow crank baits, top water lures, frogs, and the flipping/pitching technique with creature-style lures like crawdads. Color patterns that are catching bass include Junebug, Redbug, White, Okeechobee Craw, Alabama Craw, Tilapia, and black/blue. Live bait, especially live shiners and crickets, is also highly effective.

Panfish action has been very good, particularly in the moving water at John Stretch Park in South Bay and the Rim Canal near the Moore Haven Lock, where worms, crickets, and minnows have been effective.

Some of the best places to fish right now include Observation Shoal, where flipping and pitching the outside grass and Buggy Whips have been productive. Harney Pond Canal, particularly the North shore area including Dyess Ditch and Harney Pond, is another prime spot. King’s Bar and Fisheating Bay are also seeing concentrations of bass along the outermost points of cattails and bulrush.

Moonshine Bay, now accessible due to higher water levels, and the hayfields of the Bay Bottom area are additional hotspots. Be cautious of floating debris and navigate safely to ensure a productive and fun-filled day on Lake Okeechobee.