Lake Okeechobee, Florida – Level, Map, Pictures & Fishing on Famous Big O.
Below are some of the reasons Lake Okeechobee is so well regarded by bass fisherman everywhere, but you need to experience the “Big O” first hand – click here for more information on our Lake Okeechobee bass fishing guides.
Experience South Florida Bass fishing at its best, whether your traveling from Sebring, Okeechobee City, Tampa, Sarasota, Moore Haven, Ft Myers, Naples, Clewiston, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, W Palm Beach, Ft Pierce and Vero Beach. Fish with our touring Bass Masters Pros and learn pro-techniques to help improve the success of your own bass fishing tours. Great for beginners, experienced anglers or just recreation! Women, children, wheel chairs and large/small company groups welcome.
History of Lake Okeechobee Florida
Lake Okeechobee Map
The Seminole Indian name Okeechobee means “Big Water“. An appropriate name for the largest fresh water lake in the United States, occurring entirely in one state. The Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission states, “there is no place that can compare with Lake Okeechobee, not only for lunker bass, history and wildlife, but its size.”
The lake is approximately 37 miles long by 30 miles wide, totaling over 730 square miles with an average depth of only 10 feet. To fishermen nationwide, it’s renowned for the number of bass it contains per acre. Lake Okeechobee also produces more bass over 7 pounds than any lake in Florida and the United States.
Lake Okeechobee is located in central southern Florida, north of the Everglades and south of Orlando. It links the Atlantic and Gulf sides of Florida via the Port Mayaca Lock on the east side of the lake and the Moore Haven Lock on the lake’s western side. Drainage canals lower the lake and drain adjacent lands for farming. Agricultural activities around the Lake Okeechobee area include cattle ranching, dairy farming, and crop production of sugarcane, winter vegetables, citrus, sod, sweet corn and rice.
In 1926 and 1928, hurricane waters destroyed the dikes on the lake’s southern edge, which resulted in thousands of deaths. Canals and levees were built and the Lake
Bill Ingram – Okeechobee Fishing
Okeechobee waterway was developed for use as a reservoir. Today, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District direct the waters via dikes, canals and floodgates in order to protect against flooding, to prevent navigation of saltwater intrusion, and to provide water for agricultural irrigation and drinking water supplies to large urban areas in South Florida. These water management activities have greatly encumbered the water flow from the Big O to the Everglades. Instead of alternating wet and dry seasons, which provided steady sheets of water, the Everglades now receive times of drought or powerful discharges of water.
Okeechobee is well known not only throughout the U.S. but the whole world. Hawghunter Guide Service, known as “Big Lake Guide Service” has clients who come from all over the world, including Japan and Europe, just to wild shiner fish on Lake Okeechobee in the great Florida outdoors.
This body of water sports all types of waterway structures to fish – from open water to narrow canals surrounded by hundreds of different vegetations and grasses.
We have put together directions, including distance in miles, where you can find your easiest route to Lake Okeechobee, Florida, Everglades and Miami Lakes. Click here for directions and ramp locations.
We also have a full photo album and testimonials of the fish caught by our customers. If you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime, click here to book your Lake Okeechobee Fl bass fishing guide, or get detailed fishing trip information.
Current Conditions & Water Levels
SFWMD Current Level – The current average stage level for Lake Okeechobee
Historic Lake Levels – Graph of levels for Lake Okeechobee from 1932-2005
Stage Hydrograph – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – A graphic view of the Lake Okeechobee stage over time.
Lake & Vicinity – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – A Complete Water Report for Lake Okeechobee and surrounding areas.
Local Contacts
Okeechobee Service Center
Environmental Management & Restoration
NEW: The South Florida Environmental Report – Formerly known as the Everglades Consolidated Report, this newly expanded, two volume report now includes information on LakeOkeechobee, the Kissimmee River and Coastal Ecosystems along with aquatic weeds. It also includes six annual reports required under various regulatory mandates: the Fiscal Year 2005 Annual Work Plan Report; 2006 Minimum Flows and Levels Priority List and Schedule; Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan; Water Supply; Florida Forever Work Plan, 2006 Annual Update; and Mitigation Donation Annual Report.
FLORIDA FOREVER WORK PLAN:
2007 Draft Update – a component of the 2007 SFER. The SFER WebBoard is now available for posting comments on this draft.
Okeechobee Watershed Management – Research, planning and implementation efforts within the Lake Okeechobee watershed.
Aquatic Vegetation Status & Trends – Submerged vegetation is the keystone indicator of the lake’s ecological health and is one of 15 ecological performance measures for the entire south Florida ecosystem.
Water Quality Monitoring – Captures environmental monitoring in south Florida.
SFWMD Water Management Plan (DWMP)
Links to other state, federal & local govt. & groups
Click here to request more information on Trophy Bass Lake Okeechobee bass fishing trips!
Call Today – 888 629-BASS (2277) or (888) 321-0202
