Lake Okeechobee Fishing Site

Description:

• Okeechobee means "big water" in Seminole Indian language. Rightly so, as it is the second largest freshwater lake in the continental United States encompassing nearly a half million acres, 135 miles of shoreline and an estimated annual fish harvest of 2 million. Those that have fished the lake over a period of years advise hiring a guide who's familiar with the lake's vastness. A word of caution: the shallow lake whips up quickly in high winds, especially on the lake's eastern side. Average depth is a mere 10 feet and the maximum depth is only 15 feet.
  
  More than 40 species are found in the lake. The most sought-after are the largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and the famous Okeechobee catfish. Several saltwater species including tarpon and snook travel the waterway to W.P. Franklin and St. Lucie locks.
  
  The majority of anglers head to the western area of the lake where the waters are more protected. Anglers tend to battle with the wind in the eastern reaches of the lake, yet they yield respectable quantities of black crappie.
  
  Largemouth bass may be caught year-round; however, March to June and September to November yield the largest quantities. If you're after quality, the biggest seem to be caught during their spawning season, December to March. Shiners and live bait work well.
  
  The attractive and tasty black crappie can be caught generally from November to May. The cooler the temperature, the hungry the crappie, which is sometimes called a spec. Warm summer days can yield bluegill and shellcrackers.
  
  If you're new to the area and don't want to hire a guide yet want to fish, try at the southern end of the lake below South Bay. A narrow channel named Rim Canal is protected by a small chain of islands. Easy access is located off State Route 25.
  
  Access to the lake is offered around the entire perimeter at public and private locations. Anglers should note that fishing success can depend on water levels. A worthwhile publication titled Florida Wildlife is published by the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
  
  Anglers should note that Lake Okeechobee has experienced farm field run-off which has resulted in high levels of nitrogen. Clean-up efforts are in progress.