As of October 20, 2024, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with fishing activity, making it an ideal time to cast your line. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 68 degrees. While Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake and does not have tides, the water level has been stable around the 15-foot mark, which is favorable for fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 6:45 PM, providing ample daylight for your fishing trip.

### Fish Activity
Fishing has been picking up significantly, especially for largemouth bass, peacock bass, and other species. Early morning and late afternoon to early evening are the best times to catch bass and bream using both live bait and artificial lures. Bigger female bass are showing up in the reeds and under mats, while peacock bass are active in the inland lakes and canals.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Yesterday saw a good number of largemouth bass caught, with some anglers reporting up to 20 bass in a few hours, including some up to 8 pounds. Bream, bluegill, shell crackers, and crappie are also biting well. Additionally, tropical invasive fish like Mayan cichlids and Oscars are being caught, particularly when using live worms.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, effective lures include worms, swim baits, jigs, shallow crank baits, top water lures, and frogs. The flipping and pitching technique is also yielding good results. Color patterns such as Junebug, Redbug, White, Okeechobee Craw, Alabama Craw, Tilapia, and black/blue are working well. For bream, live crickets or worms are the go-to choices.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best areas to fish include Buckhead Ridge, Tin House, the North shore area around Dyess Ditch and Harney Pond, Dupree bar, Monkey Box, and parts of Observation Shoal down to the Blue Hole area. If you're launching on the West side, stop by Jack’s Big Water Bait & Tackle store at the Harney Pond Canal for all your tackle needs.

With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day on Lake Okeechobee. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sun protection, and a smile