Lake Okeechobee fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. The Big O is beginning its fall transition. The water is still warm, but the days are getting shorter, and the shad are starting to move. The bass are keying on them, and the bite is getting better each week.
What’s Hitting
What’s hitting this week is largemouth bass. The fish are feeding on the outside grass lines and chasing schools of shad in the open water. Bluegill and shellcracker are still active in the grass, and the first speckled perch (crappie) are starting to show in the deeper areas and around the rim canal.
Where to Find Them
Look for bass along the outside edges of the grass lines, especially near points and cuts. Areas like the North Shore, Harney Pond, and the South Bay area are good places to start. When the shad schools move out into the open water, the bass will follow them, so watch for surface activity. For bluegill and shellcracker, fish the inside grass. For speckled perch, look in the deeper channels and around structure.
Tides & Conditions
Water levels are an important factor on the lake. Check the current level before your trip, as it can affect access to some areas. Water temperatures are still in the mid-80s. The best bite has been early in the morning before the heat of the day, and wind will determine where the bait and bass set up.
Tackle & Tactics
For bass on the outside grass, a swim jig, a spinnerbait, or a lipless crankbait is a great way to cover water. When the fish are schooling on shad, a topwater plug or a small swimbait can be deadly. For bluegill and shellcracker, a cricket or a worm on a light line is hard to beat. For speckled perch, try a small jig or a live minnow.
Local Intel This Week
There are several public ramps around the lake, including the Clewiston Park ramp, the Harney Pond Canal ramp, and the J-Mark Fish Camp near the North Shore. Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina in Clewiston is a popular spot for supplies and information. Fish are concentrating along the outside grass lines and around shad schools. Check current FWC freshwater regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
When the bass are schooling on shad, have a rod rigged with a lure that you can cast a long distance. A lipless crankbait or a spoon will get to the fish quickly before they go back down.
More Lake Okeechobee Resources
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