Published: December 12, 2019 · Updated: September 9, 2026
December Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Winter Bass Patterns
December is a fantastic time to explore freshwater fishing in Florida. The cooler temperatures are getting the bass fired up for this season’s spawn. Next time you travel to Florida, getting out on Lake Okeechobee could be a trip you will never forget. Come enjoy some December Lake Okeechobee fishing for an outdoor adventure of a lifetime.
The largemouth bass is the targeted species on Lake Okeechobee. This massive lake in South Central Florida is a flourishing bass fishing destination. Whether you want to experience Belle Glade, Clewiston, or Okeechobee City, getting out on the Big O is a must.
Each destination around the lake offers a unique view and feel. Okeechobee City is located on the north end of the lake. It gives you access to the lake from Central Florida and surrounding East Coast cities. Clewiston is on the southwest side of the lake. This is the perfect place if you are traveling from the west coast. Belle Glade is the closest location to South Florida for visitors.
We have great local experts at all locations for bass fishing. They will use their years of experience to help you with the ultimate bass fishing trip. We can make it happen for you whether you want to throw live or artificial baits.
This seasonal guide preserves December field reports and recurring winter patterns; it is not a live daily conditions report. For the newest guide updates, visit the current Lake Okeechobee fishing reports.
December Lake Okeechobee Fishing Conditions and Field Reports
Here is your updated fishing report for Lake Okeechobee with our local experts:
Meet Gerald and his two sons. They were traveling from Pennsylvania and wanted to enjoy some beautiful Florida weather. While doing so, Lake Okeechobee bass fishing came to mind. After doing some research, they found Okeechobee City and booked a trip.
Captain Mark Shepard had the pleasure of taking them out on the water. Bluebird skies and calm conditions made the fishing slightly more interesting. Captain Mark worked the water and got them around some beautiful largemouth bass on their quick 6-hour trip.
After getting used to the proper way to set the hook with live bait, Gerald and his boys put some fish in the boat. They moved around and took to the lake’s true beauty. Eventually, they returned to their original spot and ended the day there.
Everyone on board caught several bass on this fishing trip. The biggest bass weighed in at 5.5 pounds. You can feel the air changing, meaning the bass fishing season is right around the corner.
Gerald and his two sons had a great time fishing on Lake Okeechobee. Captain Mark is looking forward to taking them out again soon!
After this fishing trip, Ty explored what Lake Okeechobee had to offer. This time, our adventures took us to Belle Glade, FL. Captain Bobby Kimble had the pleasure of fishing with this young man on his first fishing trip.
Belle Glade December Bass Fishing
When you are a captain, getting someone on the water for the first time is a blessing. You never know what that day or fishing trip will spark for the angler, especially if you get them on a big fish.
Ty traveled from Wellington, FL, looking to cash in on bass fishing in the early morning. Sunny and calm conditions made for a steady bite all trip long. Captain Joe got Ty around some beautiful fish.
Ty caught a largemouth bass weighing in the 5-pound range. He was excited to catch a bass of that magnitude. He is now addicted to catching bass on Lake Okeechobee.
Live bait was the preferred method to catch bass during this trip. Ty had a great time and is looking forward to his next adventure with Captain Joe!
That afternoon, David and his sons had a blast catching bass on Lake Okeechobee. They were traveling from Jupiter, FL, hoping to cash in on the action. Captain Joe took them out of Slim’s Fish Camp in Belle Glade, FL.
The afternoon bite was different from the last fishing trip. David and his sons had a great time catching largemouth bass. They caught over 15 bass in their quick 4-hour afternoon fishing trip.
David caught the biggest bass of the day, weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces. It was a beautiful fish, and he was super excited about it. When you are traveling to Lake Okeechobee and looking to catch some big bass, this is the trip you are looking for.
Captain Joe is looking forward to returning to the water again with David!
Additional December Field Proof From Three Lake Regions
Three more December trips show why one lake-wide report must account for conditions around Clewiston, Belle Glade and the north end instead of treating Lake Okeechobee as a single uniform fishery.
Clewiston: More Than 20 Bass and a Six-Pounder
Captain Mark Shepard guided Larry and Tina, who traveled from Chicago and tried wild-shiner fishing on Lake Okeechobee for the first time. During a six-hour trip they caught more than 20 largemouth bass. Most weighed 2 to 4 pounds, and the largest reached 6 pounds. The trip also showed early spawning activity, new grass and clean water—three December signals worth watching.
Belle Glade: Fast Four-Hour Action
Captain Joe Gruny fished with two brothers visiting from Plainville, Massachusetts. They used wild-caught live shiners and caught more than 15 bass in four hours, including frequent doubles. Most fish were 2 to 3 pounds, with the largest close to 4 pounds. Sunny, breezy weather supported a steady bite on the Belle Glade side.
Okeechobee City: Adjusting After a Cold Front
On the north end, Captain Rob Alfano guided Scott after a cold front. The bite improved as sunshine warmed the surface, and live bait was the most productive method. After moving until they located active fish, Scott caught more than 15 bass, including several in the 3- to 4-pound range. The trip is a practical reminder that December cold fronts can delay activity without ending the opportunity.
Planning a December Lake Okeechobee Fishing Trip
For current lake conditions and management information, review the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Lake Okeechobee forecast and Florida freshwater fishing regulations before your trip.
The preserved 2019 reports documented clean water and healthy vegetation, conditions that helped support productive fishing during that period. December often falls near the approach to the spawning season, but the timing and location of bass movement vary with fronts, water temperature, lake level and habitat.
Use this seasonal record alongside the current Lake Okeechobee fishing reports, the main Lake Okeechobee fishing guide and the available Lake Okeechobee fishing guides when planning a trip.
