Lake Okeechobee Bluegill Fishing
Lake Okeechobee Bluegill Fishing Guide Service
Lake Okeechobee bluegill has an attitude for its size and fights better than any other freshwater panfish species. Okeechobee Bluegill fishing is fun; catching them is second to none in the frying pan. Catching a mess of big bluegill is common throughout the spring, summer, and early fall on Lake Okeechobee.
Bluegill, Redear, and Crappie fishing will be at their best in spring. Redear should be well into their spawning season by April. Much depends upon the weather at that time. Start looking for spawning areas within five days before and after the new and full moons. Areas to check this spring will be the mouth of the Kissimmee River and the northeast edge of King’s Bar near Okeechobee.
The outer edge of Observation Island near Lakeport, and the outer edge of South Bay near Clewiston. Most Redear are taken on live worms and crickets. Bluegills usually start their spawning season a little later than Redear. Look for the bluegill bite to start picking up in April/May.
The best areas will be the rim canals for Lake Okeechobee bluegill fishing and the numerous canals leading to the lake. Kissimmee River and areas mentioned above for Redear. Beetle spins and crickets are the preferred baits for bluegill fishing, although fly fishing can also be a lot of fun. During the spawn, the large male bluegill “bull” or “copper head,” as they are called locally because of the copper band running across their dark head, is highly vulnerable to being caught easily.
Lake Okeechobee Fishing Spawn
Bluegill is at full coloration during the spawn – dark lateral bars down their sides and a deep red chest. After establishing its nesting area, which is usually the same spawning site year after year, the male Okeechobee bluegill will become very aggressive. They will, in fact, strike at anything that intrudes into their nesting territory. Although we talked about the months of spawning, we also mentioned that the weather had something to do with it. Bluegill spawning will occur when the lake water is between 70 – 75.
That could be as early as March and last as late as September. The male bluegill begins building a dish-shaped nest that generally is around a sandy depression that is 2 – 4 inches deep and 8 – 24 inches wide. Bluegills gather in large colonies during the spawn. In most cases, there are dozens of nests side by side in an area of 50 – 100 square feet. Bluegill spawning activities also cycle around the full moon periods. The 5-day period before and after the full moon is a great time to catch a limit of fish.
Worms and crickets are the preferred live bait. Crickets top the list as the best live bait for bluegill. Anglers can purchase worms and crickets from local Lake Okeechobee marinas.
Why Fish Okeechobee Bluegill
LakeOkeechobeeBassFishing.com is considered the largest & busiest guide service on Okeechobee, we have three main locations on the lake and service many other locations. Okeechobee is one of the hottest fishing lakes in
Florida for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Also the most famous lake in the state for catching quality and quantity of fish. We are located directly near Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Naples, Ft Myers, Jupiter, Fort Pierce, Orlando, and Tampa. This makes fishing on Okeechobee convenient and assessable for everyone.
When fishing Okeechobee, everyone does it, but only a few do it right. Our Professional Staff, with nearly 400 years of combined angling experience fishing Lake Okeechobee are second to none. Whether you fish with live bait is one of the most popular ways for many, you prefer artificial lures, which can range your next trip.
No other bass fishing guides Lake Okeechobee that claim to service bluegill can provide you with the proven success record that we have accomplished.
Fishing Spots on Lake Okeechobee
This is the only Florida fishing guide service that can supply you with information, fishing skill, fishing experience, and history to ensure an outstanding Florida fishing trip. Our Lake Okeechobee bluegill fishing guides will meet your expectations no matter if you are going fishing for trophies with one of our pros. Fly fishing with one of our instructors or just looking for technique lessons with one of our touring professionals. Some Guide Services talk about bluegill fishing charters – we live it daily!
Catch Limits
The Lake Okeechobee crappie size limit by bag limit for crappie (speckled perch) is 25 per person daily. The possession limit is two days bag limit per licensed angler.
Here’s a lake map of the local rivers and canals and Lake Okeechobee Crappie fishing that is worthy of a visit.
Lake Okeechobee Frequently Asked Questions!
Where can I find bluegill in Lake Okeechobee?
Bluegill, the vibrant and prized panfish, can be found in various areas of Lake Okeechobee, making it a popular target for anglers seeking a rewarding catch. One of the prime locations to search for bluegill is around the lake’s shallow waters, especially near vegetation, reeds, and submerged structures. These areas provide abundant cover and feeding opportunities for bluegill, enticing them to congregate.
Additionally, during warmer months, bluegill tends to move closer to the shoreline, where they seek out shallower pockets and patches of vegetation. Whether you’re casting from the shore or navigating the lake in a boat, keeping an eye out for these favorable habitats will significantly enhance your chances of encountering bluegill in the diverse and exciting waters of Lake Okeechobee.
What month is best for bluegill fishing?
For optimal bluegill fishing on Lake Okeechobee, April through June is the prime window of opportunity. As spring transitions to summer, the water temperature rises during this period, awakening bluegill activity. These months offer a perfect balance of warmth and feeding patterns, enticing bluegill to venture into shallower waters in search of prey.
With the increased activity, anglers can employ various techniques like using small baits, flies, or live bait to entice bites from these prized panfish. As the bluegill moves closer to the shallows, shore anglers, and boaters can enjoy fruitful fishing days, capturing the essence of Lake Okeechobee’s vibrant angling scene.
Where is the best bluegill fishing in Florida?
When it comes to the best bluegill fishing in Florida, few places rival the prolific waters of Lake Okeechobee. Renowned as a hotspot for angling enthusiasts, Lake Okeechobee offers opportunities to reel impressive bluegill catches. The lake’s vast expanse, rich vegetation, and diverse underwater structures create an ideal bluegill habitat.
While Lake Okeechobee’s bluegill fishing can be rewarding throughout the year, the warmer months, particularly from spring to early summer, witness peak bluegill activity. Anglers of all levels can find success from both the shore and boats, making Lake Okeechobee an unmatched destination for a memorable bluegill fishing adventure in the heart of Florida’s angling landscape.
Where is the best place to catch bluegills?
For an exceptional bluegill angling experience, look no further than the serene waters of Lake Okeechobee. Revered by fishing enthusiasts, Lake Okeechobee emerges as one of the finest destinations to catch bluegills. This renowned freshwater gem boasts prime bluegill habitats, including shallows teeming with vegetation, submerged structures, and pockets of tranquility where these prized panfish flourish.
Casting your line into the depths of Lake Okeechobee grants you the opportunity to engage in a captivating battle with spirited bluegills, all while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings. With the lake’s reputation for offering an impressive array of bluegill sizes, spring and early summer provide the peak season for bluegill fishing success.
Elevate your angling game and create lasting memories as you explore the best place to catch bluegills – the enchanting waters of Lake Okeechobee.