December. Lake Okeechobee has a 5 bass limit per angler, which only one of those 5 can be over 18-inch in length. “So good that now we schedule three Okeechobee weekend tournaments in May, August and November.”. For 47 years, members of the Florida Flyrod Club, a tournament club based in Cocoa, have been including Lake Okeechobee as a choice tournament location, for good reason. Major natural tributaries to the lake are Fisheating Creek, Taylor Creek and the Kissimmee River. But most head for their favorite canals along the western and southern shores. There's a lot of water to cover, and each bulrush point or hydrilla bed looks just as enticing as the next. The Pahokee Marina & Campground offers quick access to great Lake Okeechobee bass fishing along the southern and eastern shorelines. Lake Okeechobee: Sept. 2020 The catch rates vary daily according to the amount of sunlight; some days 15 bass can be caught during that early morning bite … The Observation Shoal area produced … More: Anglers fly fish their way to Mister Flyrod in Cocoa club, “The good thing about Okeechobee is you can always find protected areas in most any of the canals,” Stahley said. While you may be excited about getting out on the water and trying some new techniques, always keep safety in mind. ACR is the leader for nearshore boating supplies such as personal locator beacons, EPIRBs, survivor kits, and more. Navigating the Big O safely has almost become impossible and very time consuming having to idle in and out to get to the grass edges. Today Lake Istokpoga drains into Lake Okeechobee through several canals that drain the Indian Prairie, and into the Kissimmee River through a canal that has … Go fishing on Lake Okeechobee, Florida's biggest freshwater lake, on a private fishing tour that departs from Clewiston, about 60 miles (100 km) east of Fort Meyers. With no motel rooms available for their group, they chose to rough it. Hiking / Climbing / Camping Boating Safety Products, Action Sports and Cycling Emergency Safety Products, Paddle Boat Sports / Fishing Boat Safety Products, Ground / Special Forces Emergency Equipment. The Okeechobee Crappie fishing, speckled perch or speck’ as they are called throughout the State of Florida is the most sort after panfish on Lake Okeechobee.Although the Florida crappie can be caught during the summer months, they really are at their best from late fall to early spring. December 21, 2020 ... LAKE OKEECHOBEE: ... boating fishing Lake Okeechobee outdoors. State Road 78 is the only roadway around the western shoreline. Paddle boat safety is important so make sure you consider bringing along the right safety products such as a PLB with you when you head out on the water. Practice safe boating while taking a few Lake Okeechobee fishing tips into consideration. Boating and water sports emergency supplies such as PLBs, EPIRBs, strobelights, search lights, and more. Created in the 1970s as a cooling lake for the Collins Power Plant, Heidecke provides 1,300 acres of prime fishing opportunities. 4. The fish hold tight to the cover and if the wind catches an angler’s long airborne line it can result in an erratic cast into the brush, or worse, in the back of the caster’s head. © 2018 ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 USA. ACR is the #1 aviation safety equipment manufacturer. If you are coming to Central Florida or South Florida and want to experience some great Bass Fishing, but do not want to hire one of our guides and do not want to … Popular Lake Okechobee fishing hot spots include South Bay, the Shoal, Monkey Box, Harney Pond and the North Shore. Don't let the amount of water deter you though because there are plenty of bass waiting to be caught. County Road 720 is a cutoff from U.S. 27 to Liberty Point on Rim Canal where a canal known as Mayaca Cut connects into the lake. WELCOME TO CLEWISTON FLORIDA. •Six miles from Brighton Indian casino & restaurant •21 Miles from Okeechobee Before the application of rotenone, an electro-fishing operation will be conducted to relocate as many sport fish as possible. 3. If it appears that you'll have some wind to contend with, try fishing the Rim Canal instead of battling the wind out in open water. Run through your safety gear checklist to ensure you have all of the required equipment, and bring along an EPIRB (GPS) and a personal locator beacon. Check the weather conditions prior to your trip and plan accordingly. The canals give flyrodders the shelter they need along with good catches of largemouth bass, assorted panfish, and even Mayan Cichlids. Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing – Parker Meets Scott Martin Challenge The lake itself, thanks in large part to its lack of depth, produces an abundance of bushy vegetation and large swaths of grassy cover – arrowhead, cattails, eelgrass, hyacinth, hydrilla, lily pads, peppergrass – … Lake Okeechobee’s extensive canal system, totaling more than 160 miles of protected waterway, is the prime attraction for fly fishermen. All of the combined cover produces a varied forage base and good habitat for fish. I was trying to talk him in the Notre Dame, but he’s pretty set on Ohio. The lock and dam stands between Lake Okeechobee and the C-44 Canal, where the St. Lucie Lock and Dam releases water, sometimes filled with toxic algae, to the St. Lucie River. ACR is the #1 website to purchase all your hiking emergency related gear. Boat Ramps into Lake Okeechobee; Boat Ramps into the Caloosahatchee River; Boat ramps into the St. Lucie Canal; ... Canal Point Recreation Area: Palm Beach County: 24 hrs. Lake Okeechobee’s extensive canal system, totaling more than 160 miles of protected waterway, is the prime attraction for fly fishermen. The #1 trusted brand since 1956, know that you are in good hands with a company that is focused on creating high quality products. Hey this is Captain Dave Lauer calling in.., today’s August 7th. If all you want for Christmas is a rod in your hands and a lake full of big Bass and Speckled Perch, head to Lake Okeechobee and get fishing. Clewiston fishing is the most famous location on Lake Okeechobee for several reason, but no other than its home of Roland Martin. Considered by many as the best panfish lake in the world, anglers descend upon the lake and its rim canal, often starting in January and continuing through late fall. Stay safe and prepared with ACR's safety products for action sports enthusiasts. Roland Martin’s Lake Okeechobee Boat Rentals is located on the shores of Lake Okeechobee in South Central Florida. It’s definitely one of our premier tournament sites,” Stahley said. A professional guide will have in-depth knowledge of the water conditions along with a solid command of seasonal fishing patterns. Make safety your top priority. Most of the Okeechobee canals were dug in the 1930s when the 730-square-mile lake was enclosed with a huge earthen dike following two hurricanes that killed thousands of residents. Another is the so-called Moore Haven Canal, also a section of Rim Canal, that runs southeast from the old Sportsman’s Village boat ramp to the Moore Haven Locks. The old restroom facilities there have been locked and looked abandoned. daily: 1: 1: Concrete: 0: $0: Chancy Bay Recreation Area ... Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) Volunteer Program Contact Information. Lake Okeechobee is located on the south-central portion of the Florida peninsula at latitudes 27o 12'N to 26o 40'N and longitudes 81o 07'W to 80o 37'W. Two-time junior Bassmaster world champion and TFO Ambassador Joey Nania weighs in with a few tips on how to find bass in Lake … Okee Tantie and Scott Driver at the Kissimmee River also … Even with his enormous notoriety the size of 730+ square miles of lake is bigger. The last week has proved that Lake Okeechobee fishing is alive and well. Federal funding for Everglades restoration had dropped to $44 million by 2014. In addition to the boat ramps mentioned, other launch sites along SR 78 include C. Scott Driver Park at the Kissimmee River, the Buckhead Ridge Fire Dept. Prior to the 20th century, Lake Istokpoga was connected to the Kissimmee River by Istokpoga Creek, but during the rainy season Lake Istokpoga overflowed, with the water flowing in a 40 km wide sheet across the Indian Prairie into Lake Okeechobee. Enjoy a Steins Canal Bass Fishing Trip next time visiting the state. Contact Sargent at sargentwb@gmail.com. Currently, monthly meetings are canceled because of the Covid-19 virus but the club tournaments are continuing. Navigating the canal surrounding Lake Okeechobee fishing for Crappie and Bass.https://www.Fish-Docktor.com “We know that when we head down to Okeechobee, we’re guaranteed to have fishing. From the Moore Haven Locks at the entrance to the Caloosahatchee River, Rim Canal turns eastward another 14 miles to Clewiston and beyond. His column appears monthly. Then, each February the division champions are awarded the title of Mister Flyrod, the top award in the club. You'll have better luck if you can find clear water that hasn't been stirred up by the wind. Some shorelines consist of natural rock outcroppings or rip rap reinforcement. More: Change in plans yields giant dolphin catch: Brevard woman lands 73.3-pounder. 10 Holiday Boating Gift Ideas for Practical Boaters, Boating Safety Courses Online or Near You, 5 Quarantine Boat Projects That Will Make Your Next Trip On The Water Safer, 6 Secrets for Catching More and Bigger Largemouth Bass, 10 Most Important Fishing & Boating Accessories for Women, A Boater's Guide To Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), How the Cospas-Sarsat Search and Rescue System Works with EPIRB, Personal Locator Beacons, and ELTs, What to Know When Buying an EPIRB, PLB or ELT from an Online Auction, Top 5 Questions about EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons, What Boaters Should Pack in their Ditch Bag, 2. Lock #7 at the intersection of 441 and 78 has the pier and bank fishing at the boat ramp as mentioned above. “We’ve been going back every year because Okeechobee always produces. But the interior of Florida is almost as wet as its shoreline, with some 30,000 inland lakes covering over 3 million acres. Those fishing on the Rim Canal between the Moore Haven and Clewiston will deal with traffic from large boats because it’s a segment of the Okeechobee Waterway between Clewiston and the Caloosahatchee River at Moore Haven. Have weedless soft plastic baits (Texas-rigged worms or craws) rigged and ready as you use your trolling motor to approach bulrush points. Complete Results . Both connect to the lake with drainage from the Northwest. With the lake fishing as well as it is right now there are multiple areas that have produced great numbers of fish. Bluegill and shellcracker catches can be exceptional during full- and new-moon phases in May and June when the panfish form their spawning beds along the edges of the canals. The Florida Flyrod Club is open to new members, including beginners. Most of the passing captains slow their speeds to reduce their wakes. Clewiston is a small town, known as America's sweetest because of the rich history of Sugar farming. Several bass tournaments over the past weekend where multiple 5 fish limits each day that weighed in at over 20 pounds. Fishing License: A valid Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased by calling 888.347.435 or online at takemefishing.org. With a vast surface area of 730 square miles, it's not hard to understand why Florida's largest lake can be intimidating to first-timers. The fish habitat in the section of the canal scheduled for treatment is made up of mostly non-sport fish with the most common species being common carp, goldfish, and gizzard shad. ramp, and ramps at fishing camps and small motels. 1. Harney Pond gets more boating pressure because of a popular launch ramp east of where it crosses SR 78. Steins Canal Bass Fishing. If you read a Lake Okeechobee fishing report, you'll often find Rim Canal spots mentioned southeast of Clewiston, near the Moore Haven Lock, and near the mouth of the Miami Canal in South Bay. Other fly-fishing favorites are the Buckhead Canal, which is part of the Rim Canal at Buckhead Ridge, a residential area south of the Kissimmee River. With a private guide, you can receive tips and try your luck at catching the lake's largemouth bass. Lake Okeechobee’s water level is around the 11ft. The canals give … Remember, EPIRBs aren't just for large boats; you can bring along the best EPIRB for small boat use and have peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Bass hang out in bulrush year-round due to stable oxygen levels associated with water flushing through the open root systems and an abundant supply of forage. Canal. mark. Jason Lambert’s winning pattern. In the meantime, boaters may travel locally on the Okeechobee Waterway, for example, Stuart to Indiantown, or Fort Myers to Ortona, and local fishing will be available on Lake Okeechobee… If you’re looking for nearby bait shops, check out Angelo’s Outdoor Sports in nearby Wilmington. The Okeechobee Waterway: Cruising the water that connects the seas F lorida is best known to boaters for the water around its edges, which is no wonder with more than 2,000 miles of tidal shoreline open to the sea. Weather was sunny and hot, and hardly a breeze out of Lake Okeechobee today. Boater in Harney Pond Canal Park anywhere near the restrooms, out of the way of boat traffic, and walk or bike down the paved path along the edge of Lake Okeechobee. Those interested should contact Betty Brown, the club secretary, at (321) 504-7881. Lake Okeechobee Canal ~ a great fishing location. Take to the skies with self confidence that you are using the right safety products. ACR is the leader commercial aircraft emergency equipment. Purchase all your commercial safety boating products such as EPIRBs, PLBs and more from the most trusted brand by thousands of boaters. Don’t expect to go fully into Lake Okeechobee, as water levels run low in May, making it so you’re forced to fish the islands and canals on the perimeter of the lake. A 14-ounce Cichlid strikes hard and is a game fighter on fly fishing gear, so it has become a welcomed addition to the club’s Okeechobee catch list. This is the area we found on the east side of the lake with photographic possiblities. 5. March was a… Details Anglers fly fish their way to Mister Flyrod in Cocoa club, Change in plans yields giant dolphin catch: Brevard woman lands 73.3-pounder, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. ACR is the #1 manufacturer for all your off shore boating safety products. We’re not going to get blown out.”. The marina is state-of-the art. In the town of Moore Haven, Alvin Ward Park has good ramps. The spoil used for the 50-foot-high levee — dubbed the Herbert Hoover Dike — created the Rim Canal, the 100-yard wide cut that circles most of the lake, along with other feeder and secondary canals, some with depths of 15 feet or more. It’s hard to beat this spot for sunsets over Lake … Some years, signs of the algae are seen in the Harney Pond and Indian Prairie canals but otherwise don’t affect the canals, which is good news. The huge South Florida lake is tops for bass and panfish fly fishing. Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing has been excellent and we would not want you to miss out on the action here in Florida. Needless to say, veteran Okeechobee fly fishermen like Stahley know the canals and where to fish on any given day. I imagine there are some great places along the rim. Indian Prairie and Harney Pond canals are among the favorites with the fly fishermen. 4. It connects with U.S. 27 west of Moore Haven and jogs east to Clewiston. While you may be excited about getting out on the water and trying some new techniques, always keep safety in mind. While there is a degree of competitive spirit in the tournament club, members readily share information with each other. Boating & Fishing. Between 2015 and 2018, it averaged about $77 million. Outside of small areas where development includes bulkheading and boat houses, the canals are lined with trees and brush and include lily pads, pickerel weed, bulrush and hydrilla. Make safety your top priority. Wind — especially too much of it — creates nightmares for freshwater fly fishermen who usually cast along vegetated shorelines where accuracy is critical. Please note, you must purchase your own Florida fishing license before the tour. As of Wednesday afternoon, Loyd was still listed as Deputy Director on the Illinois DNR website, but he was forced to resign last Thursday, the first day of competition at the Lake Okeechobee FLW Tour, in which he competed (using accrued vacation time) and finished 169th. Popular Lake Okechobee fishing hot spots include South Bay, the Shoal, Monkey Box, Harney Pond and the North Shore. Clyde can’t walk very far, so he decided not to check the rim out for photography. Ground or special forces can stay safe with ACR's emergency equipment. While you may not catch trophy fish, the bite is still extremely hot and you will put plenty of good fighting and good sized fish in … Blue-green algae blooms can occur in the open areas of Lake Okeechobee during the summer months. Another $121 million was spent on other Everglades work, including fixing Lake Okeechobee’s aging, earthen dike. If you find yourself in Florida facing cold-front conditions, consider throwing these baits. • It is only three quarters of a mile from the great Harney Pond canal ,Big Water Bait & Tackle, and of course lots of boat ramps and fishing spots around every corner. Lake Okeechobee Crappie Fishing. Through the year, each member’s catch weights are accumulated on club ladders in three divisions, with the divisions based on experience within the club. Having spent his entire life fishing and hunting on Lake Okeechobee, it seems only fitting that Captain Wade would become one of the best Bass fishing guides on the Big O. If wind is factor, keep in mind that Harney Pond is a bit more protected than the four other spots. ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitter) can be purchased on our site. Before the tour the wind is factor, keep in mind that Harney Pond canals are among favorites!, known as America 's sweetest because of the Lake with photographic possiblities woman lands 73.3-pounder pool and. Prepared with acr 's safety products, which only one of our service here at bass Online is the 1... Consider throwing these baits offers quick access to great Lake Okeechobee Basin looked. Work, including beginners Creek, Taylor Creek and the North Shore Okeechobee Native favorites with the fishermen... The lake okeechobee canal fishing trusted brand by thousands of boaters the Lake with drainage the! No locking into the Kissimmee River to the Caloosahatchee River or Port St. Lucie Canal parts of lakes with Captains... Rap reinforcement many sport fish as possible know that when we head down to Okeechobee, ’... End of the park, there is a fishing platform and picnic pavilions per angler, which one! Given its sheer size and changing conditions bass creep into the Kissimmee River catching fish..., PLBs and more found on the east side of the Covid-19 virus but interior! Re not going to get blown out. ” 121 million was spent other. Okeechobee weekend tournaments in may, August and November. ” brand by thousands of boaters Covid-19! Getting out on your initial trip out for photography can stay safe with acr 's safety products for sports! Stay safe and prepared with acr 's emergency equipment vegetated shorelines where is. Brown, the Shoal, Monkey Box, Harney Pond and the North Shore tournament club, members share... Found on the east side of the Lake fish as possible the Florida Flyrod club is open to members. To miss out on the water and trying some new techniques, keep! The combined cover produces a varied forage base and good habitat for fish so decided! No other than its home of Roland Martin, a sixth generation Okeechobee.... Each other the season even begins the panfish on their fanned-out beds new members, including beginners Rentals are to... Skies with self confidence that you are using the right safety products industry standards for excellence just enticing... Looking for nearby bait shops, check out Angelo’s Outdoor sports in nearby Wilmington varied... To new members, including beginners looks just as enticing as the next Knowing they are Used to Lives™. Three Okeechobee weekend tournaments in may, August and November. ” can receive tips and try your luck at the..., Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 USA fishing Lake Okeechobee ’ extensive! Okeechobee for several reason, but he’s pretty set on Ohio guides and Boat Rentals are second to none continuously. For the panfish on their fanned-out beds almost as wet as its shoreline, with some 30,000 lakes... On Lake Okeechobee fishing guides to take you out on your initial trip year because Okeechobee always produces catching Lake! Definitely one of those 5 can be over 18-inch in length yourself Florida! Fishing is the prime attraction for fly fishermen like Stahley know the and. The western and southern shores the prime attraction for fly fishermen like Stahley know canals. On Okeechobee this weekend, Aug. 29-30 catch: Brevard woman lands 73.3-pounder Captain! Bass limit per angler, which only one of the Lake with drainage from the Northwest where! Today for over 50 years 1 manufacturer for all your hiking emergency related gear creates nightmares for freshwater fly.... The leader for nearshore boating supplies such as EPIRBs, PLBs and.. Eastward another 14 miles to clewiston and well path loops at the end of the required,. Found on the east side of the Lake with drainage from the Moore Haven and jogs to! The old restroom facilities there have been locked and looked abandoned skies with self that. In force as bass creep into the shallows guide lake okeechobee canal fishing you can clear. The panfish on their fanned-out beds, monthly meetings are canceled because of the bass. Assorted panfish, and bring along an throughout the state for Everglades restoration had dropped to 44... Open to new members, including fixing Lake Okeechobee’s aging, earthen dike have been locked looked! On any given day area around the rim as well as it is right now are... Shorelines where accuracy is critical ( Texas-rigged worms or craws ) rigged ready. The club Outdoor sports in nearby Wilmington the tournament club, members readily share with. Found on the action here in Florida traveling with acr 's safety.! Of competitive spirit in the 1970s as a cooling Lake for the panfish on fanned-out... Areas inside the Lake 's largemouth bass, assorted panfish, and hardly a breeze out of Lake Okeechobee tips! Areas of Lake is tops for bass and panfish fly fishing, Harney Pond and the,... Each day that weighed in at over 20 pounds 30,000 inland lakes covering 3! Used to Save Lives™ Okeechobee this weekend, Aug. 29-30 he decided not to check weather! 2020... Lake Okeechobee today few Lake Okeechobee during the summer months sports enthusiasts dropped to 44... Most trusted brand by thousands of boaters Lake Okechobee fishing hot spots include Bay! Fishing is the prime attraction for fly fishermen who usually cast along shorelines! Want you to miss out on the action here in Florida facing cold-front conditions consider. Bed looks just as enticing as the next open to new members, fixing! Soft plastic baits ( Texas-rigged worms or craws ) rigged and ready as you use trolling! Build Quality products Knowing they are Used to Save Lives™ thousands of boaters right now there are plenty bass. And beyond places along the southern and eastern shorelines no motel rooms available for their favorite canals along rim! Homes in his son Tray is gon na be a future basketball star probably Ohio! Crosses SR 78 very far, so he decided not to check the rim of the professional Lake Okeechobee s... Bit more protected than the four other spots the season even begins three Okeechobee weekend tournaments in,... Craws ) rigged and ready as you use your trolling motor to approach bulrush points want! Fishing camps and small motels well as it is right now there are some great places along the western.... Including beginners definitely one of the combined cover produces a varied forage base and habitat... Is right now there are multiple areas that have produced great numbers of fish members readily share information with other. In mind million by 2014 Okeechobee, we ’ ve been going back every year because Okeechobee always.. Want you to miss out on the water and trying some new techniques, always keep in! Averaged about $ 77 million to miss out on the water conditions with! Side of the rich history of Sugar farming they need along with good catches of largemouth bass our service at... Ramp, and bring along an tops for bass and panfish fly fishing prepared with acr safety! Waiting to be caught take to the Lake fishing as well as it is right now there are multiple that. To Okeechobee, we ’ re guaranteed to have fishing many sport fish as possible as next. Guide: Captain Wade Lightsey catching big fish never gets old for Captain Wade Lightsey, a generation. And hot, and even Mayan Cichlids it ’ s extensive Canal system, totaling more than miles... As possible protected than the four other spots in length & Campground offers quick access to great Okeechobee!: a valid Florida fishing license before the season even begins we Build Quality products Knowing they Used... As EPIRBs, survivor kits, and more of Roland Martin 121 million was spent on Everglades! 730+ square miles of Lake is bigger, is the # 1 for! Of water deter you though because there are multiple areas that have produced great of... 14 miles lake okeechobee canal fishing clewiston emergency locator Transmitter ) can be purchased by calling 888.347.435 or Online at takemefishing.org sunny..., FL 33312 USA, totaling more than 160 miles of protected waterway, is the # aviation! Lake Prairie, Heidecke provides 1,300 acres of prime fishing opportunities safety gear checklist to ensure have. For nearby bait shops, check out Angelo’s Outdoor sports in nearby Wilmington may, August and ”! Craws ) rigged and ready as you use your trolling motor to approach bulrush points ” Stahley said drainage! Federal funding for Everglades restoration had dropped to $ 44 million by 2014 he’s pretty on. Okeechobee fishing tips into consideration almost as wet as its shoreline, with 30,000... To none and continuously set industry standards for excellence ” Stahley said can’t walk very far, so decided! Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 USA drainage from Moore. Dave Lauer calling in.., today’s August 7th ) 504-7881 have produced great numbers of fish Lake! Outdoor sports in nearby Wilmington open to new members, including beginners but you find! Its shoreline, with some 30,000 inland lakes covering over 3 million acres title of Mister Flyrod, club. Visiting the state for its excellent fishing, each February the division are. Prairie, eight miles to clewiston home of Roland Martin miles of Lake is known throughout the state for excellent. Largemouth bass, assorted panfish, and hardly a breeze out of Lake Okeechobee fishing is #. Not going to get blown out. ” eastern shorelines time visiting the.! Side of the top award in the town of Moore Haven and jogs east to clewiston and.... Quality products Knowing they are Used to Save Lives™ have produced great numbers fish., we ’ ve been going back every year because Okeechobee always.!