Lake Okeechobee fishing report for August, 2022 submitted by Capt. Angie Douthit

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Fishing Lake Okeechobee in August can be challenging but fun! Challenging due to hot temperatures, possible afternoon thunderstorms and lower water levels. Current Lake O water level is hovering around the 13 ft. mark. Now is a good time to brush up on your deeper water angling skills whether its fishing the Kissimmee River or the Canal systems and bass like the deeper, cooler water temperatures and a great time to dust off and tie on those deep diving crank baits you’ve been waiting to use all year long. Along with crank baits, a Carolina-Rig (c-rig) can produce some really nice size quality bass as well as a texas-rigged big worm. In the early morning hours have a hard top water lure tied on like a bang-a-lure or devils horse, land your lure at the bank edge, working the lure out about 20-25 ft whether fishing the river or canal. If you’re fishing the lake, some areas of the lake are showing signs of algae which is normal for this time of year. What’s biting now? I’ve been taking bream trips; fingerling catfish and bass trips which are typical for this time of year sticking with the daylight to noon timeframe. The month of September is when to start thinking of booking your bass fishing trip, as the females start to feed up while they make their way into the shallows for the early spawn time. It’s also the time to book your fall crappie trip as well. Places on the lake to try can be: parts of the shoal; a few spots around Dupree Bar; some areas around Dyess ditch and around Horse Island and parts of Indian Prairie. Tin house has been solid throughout the season for crappie, bass and bream, work your way up towards 3rd and 2nd point where you’ll find some bass feeding on the bedding bream. A few areas on Kings Bar have been good and the water looks perfect. I fished around Grassy getting very few bites but that can all change as September approaches. Areas around the pier will start to produce as well as some areas on the east side such as Nub and Slough and Hendry Creek and some areas towards J & S. From what I’ve been reading per the Corps of Engineers, no water releases are planned but would not be surprised if that changes and depending on weather (storms). If you’re boating on the lake use caution coming off/on plane especially around the rock-bottom areas of the lake. When in doubt, idle to a safe depth then continue on. Lures to try are worms; senkos; creature-style baits for flipping/pitching; deep/mid running crank baits; swim jigs and swim baits; some frogs and hard top water lures; spinner baits and rattle traps for more open water presentations. Colors: black/blue; June bug; red bug; watermelon/red; green-pumpkin; white; shad and Okeechobee craw. To book you’re next fun-filled, productive and educational fishing trip call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto my website to check out the up-to-date pictures of customers and their catches; hotel recommendations; guide rates and etc. My Sponsors are: Caymas boats and Toho Marine, St. Cloud, Florida; Lews; G-Loomis; BnM Poles; Mid-South Tackle; Maui Jim; Gill; Bullet Weights; Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco Brands and BUFF USA.

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