Lake Okeechobee sunrise hit at 7:09 a.m. and sunset is expected at 7:22 p.m.; humid September mornings are lingering, with skies mostly clear but clouding by afternoon and a high near 91 degrees. South winds are pushing 6 to 10 mph, putting a gentle ripple on the water and maybe moving baitfish closer to the emergent grass lines. Water temps have been steady at 82 to 84 this week, and the lake remains at its typical late-summer heights.
Blue-green algae advisories are in effect near Pahokee Marina as of September 17, according to Palm Beach County Health Department, so anglers should exercise caution around that area and consider launching south or west. Water clarity is fair but check for any scummy patches before setting up for a long day’s cast.
Fish activity jumped up after sunrise. Most folks out early found largemouth bass starting slow in shallow grass, but moving out toward the offshore hydrilla beds and pepper grass when the sun got higher. Bassmaster’s preview has local guides talking about fall transition, and while Lake Okeechobee always throws some curveballs, the last few days have seen better numbers of schoolie bass from the North Shore up toward King’s Bar and around Harney Pond.
Average catches this morning per boat ran 10 to 15 bass, with top weights for five-fish bags reaching 19 pounds for the best boats. Most bass are in the 2 to 3 pound range, though one local pulled a solid six-pounder just after 10 a.m. near the Rim Canal. The bream bite is still good, too, especially early; you’ll find shellcrackers under mats and bluegill moving along canal edges. Crappie have been thin but present around deeper structure near Taylor Creek, with a few limits caught by the tight-line crowd.
Best baits right now:
- *Swim jigs* (black/blue or white with chartreuse tails) are producing well in hydrilla and eelgrass, especially with a steady retrieve.
- *Texas rigged worms* in junebug or watermelon red flake pulled along reed heads and into open pockets.
- *Lipless crankbaits* for reaction strikes, chrome and blue or gold patterns stand out with this light chop.
- *Live shiners* always deliver, and they’re taking the biggest fish—several double-digit bass over the last week for guides working outside points and deeper holes.
Lifelike soft plastics, like flukes and swimbaits, are getting bites where native bait is thick, especially at sunrise and again on the evening feed. Spinnerbaits with white skirts and gold blades are hot midmorning when the wind picks up, and weedless presentations are key in the thick stuff.
Hot spots to try today:
- **King’s Bar**: Working from the outer grass line to about 100 yards offshore, focus your casts around the denser hydrilla. Swim jigs and chatterbaits sparked solid action here yesterday.
- **Harney Pond Canal**: Early bream anglers reported excellent numbers, and the transition zone between open water and the reed islands is still thick with bass.
- **Monkey Box**: Afternoon bite fired up yesterday, especially for folks flipping soft plastics into mats.
Anglers are reporting above average pressure so keep an eye out for other boats, and don’t be shy to adjust depth or move off the crowd if the bite slows. The bluegill and shellcracker bite will stick around as temps stay warm, but bass are the main game right now, and with the fall tournament schedule ramping, big fish are being found every week.
Before heading out, double check local algae advisories and swap out lighter line for something stout; big fish are lurking, and heavy vegetation means hard fights. Always remember to hydrate, use sun protection, and check gear for wear—Lake Okeechobee still delivers legendary fishing but rewards those who plan for changing conditions.
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