Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Bass, Crappie, and Ideal Conditions on May 12th, 2025

Hey there, folks. It's me, Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on Lake Okeechobee fishing for today, May 12th, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the water levels. They've been slowly dropping over the past few months, which is good news for us fishermen because it lets the grass grow, providing more habitats for fish[1]. Currently, the water level is around 12.5 feet above sea level[5].

The weather today is looking pretty nice, with clear skies and a gentle breeze - perfect conditions for a day on the lake. Sunrise was at about 6:30 AM, giving us a full day of fishing ahead. Sunset is around 8:00 PM, so we've got plenty of light.

When it comes to fish activity, Lake Okeechobee is always a winner. Lately, we've seen some epic bass catches, with fish ranging from 5 to 8 pounds[5]. Crappie fishing has also been on fire, with days yielding 100 to 150 fish, including some nice ones up to two pounds[4].

For lures, soft plastics like plastic worms and curly tail grubs are always popular for bass. For crappie, jigs or small minnows are the way to go. The best bait for bass remains live shad or shiners, while crappie also love minnows.

Some of the hot spots right now are the north end of the lake around the Kissimmee River and the Harney Pond Canal. These areas offer plenty of vegetation and structure for fish to hide in. Another spot is the outside grass lines where the water is a bit deeper and safer for navigation[5].

Overall, Lake Okeechobee is living up to its reputation as a fisherman's paradise, especially in May. So grab your gear and get ready to reel in some big ones. Good luck out there, and tight lines