Massive Bass & Crappie Bonanza on Lake Okeechobee - Perfect Conditions for Trophy Fishing

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report for Sunday, May 11, 2025

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for today, Sunday, May 11.

Sunrise was at 6:47 AM and you'll have until about 8:03 PM to reel in those trophies. Weather's looking mighty fine today with clear skies continuing from yesterday, temperatures climbing into the low 80s by midday, and just a light breeze to keep things comfortable. Perfect May conditions for a day on the Big O!

Water levels are running low, sitting just above 11 feet, which is below normal for May. This has concentrated both bass and crappie in the remaining vegetation. The lake's vegetation is in excellent shape, and water clarity is good across most areas of the lake.

Let me tell you folks, the fishing has been absolutely on fire this past week! We're in the middle of what I'd call a genuine bonanza bite. Largemouth bass fishing has been exceptional, with many anglers reporting 50-100 fish days. Plenty of quality bass in the 4-6 pound class are being caught consistently, and there's been a steady stream of trophies over 8 pounds coming to the boat. The FWC TrophyCatch program has recorded over 400 lunkers of 8+ pounds from the lake this season alone!

The crappie bite has been equally spectacular, with reports of 100-150 fish days becoming common. Some real slabs in the 12-14 inch range weighing up to two pounds are making their way to the fish coolers.

For bass, your best bet is working the edges of hydrilla, cattails, and pepper grass, especially along the eastern and southern shorelines. Topwater baits like Zara Spooks and poppers are producing early, while weightless Senkos and swim jigs are the ticket once the sun gets higher. For live bait, you can't go wrong with wild shiners right now.

Crappie are holding tight to vegetation in the dropping water levels. Small jigs in chartreuse and white are producing well, as are live minnows fished around the edges of vegetation.

Hot spots this week include the areas around Observation Shoal, Harney Pond, and the Kissimmee River mouth. The dynamite bite has also extended to the rim canal between Clewiston and Moore Haven.

Local guides like Capt. Mike have been putting clients on limits of bass and crappie consistently, with many folks reporting their personal best catches this past week.

Y'all better get out there while this bite is hot! The conditions are perfect, the fish are hungry, and the Big O is showing why it's still the bass fishing capital of the world. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, friends!