Guide To Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

AKA: The Big O

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, warmouth, bowfin, chain pickerel and longnose gar at Lake Okeechobee in Florida.

Lake Okeechobee, the largest lake in Florida, is commonly referred to as "The Big O". It is a 448,000-acre lake located in the southern-central part of the state, at the town of Okeechobee. Like many Florida lakes it is shallow, with a maximum depth of thirteen feet. The Kissimmee River is the primary source of water that flows into the lake, along with numerous other smaller creeks and rivers. With daytime high temperatures from mid-70's to low 90's, year round, it is a popular boating and fishing destination.

Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

Largemouth bass - big bass are the primary draw for fishermen. The lake is also a favorite of crappie, bluegill, catfish, pickerel, bowfin, gar and sunfish anglers. And with 135 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of places to wet a line.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Okeechobee

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bass Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

Warm, shallow water with lots of cover and food supply make The Big O a haven for big Florida bass. In spring lots of monster bass move into very shallow water during the pre-spawn and spawn. They make nests among the reeds and vegetation and feed heavily during the pre-spawn. Okeechobee hosts annual bass tournaments for Bass Elite Series, FLW and many other national and local tournament organizations.

Crappie Fishing At Lake Okeechobee

Crappie, or speckled perch (specks) as they are known locally, are abundant on Okeechobee. Find schools of baitfish and the crappie are likely to be hanging with them. Best time to fish for crappie is the cooler months of autumn through spring. Live minnows and crappie jigs trolled deep account for the vast number of catches here.

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Reports, Forums & Blogs

Fishing reports by Mark King.

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Forum

Lake Okeechobee Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Jolly Roger Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
863) 983-7402

Roland Martin Marine Center
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
863 983-2128

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

C Scott Driver Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, west side, at the north end of the State Highway 78 Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.

Herbert Hoover Dike Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Herbert Hoover Dike, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lake Okeechobee Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off State Highway 78, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Pahokee Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off N Lake Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Roland Martin Public Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Hoover Dike Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

South Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Levee Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

Pahokee Campground & Marina
190 North Lake Avenue
Pahokee, FL 33430
561 924-7832

Roland Martin Marina
920 E. Del Monte Ave
Clewiston, FL 33440
863 983-3151

Click here for a Florida Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

KOA Kampground - 863 763-0231

Lake Okeechobee Outpost - 561 924-7832

South Bay RV Campground - 561 992-9045

Zachary Taylor Camping Resort - 863 763-3377

Lake Okeechobee Information

Marinas & Boat Slips

Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina - 863 983-3151

Boat, Houseboat & Jet Ski Rental

Jolly Roger Marina Boat Rentals - 863 983-7402

Weather

Average high and average low, monthly temperatures at Lake Okeechobee.

Rentals & Lodging Nearby Lake Okeechobee

Choose from a wide variety of accommodations at, and nearby the lake, including motels, resorts, cabins and vacation rentals.

Resorts

Pier II Resort - 863 763-8003

Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina and Resort - 863 983-3151

Hotels & Motels

Best Western of Clewiston - 863 983-3400

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Clewiston - 863 983-5100

Seminole Inn - 772 597-3777

Travelodge Suites - 863 824-3431

Vacation Rentals

Perfect Drive Golf Villas - 772 873-0515

Real Estate, Homes & Property

Todd Realty - 561 924-7600

Lake Okeechobee FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Lake Video

Contact Information

Lake Okeechobee
Roland Martin Marina & Resort
920 E Del Monte Ave
Clewiston, FL 33440
863 983-3151

Fishing lakes in each state.