Pre-spawn staging begins along outer grass lines and marsh openings

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was late September. At that time, the water was low but slowly rising, and anglers were catching early pre-spawn fish on the outer edges of the emergent grass and eelgrass patches using topwater and live shiners. With recent rain and steady warm weather, the lake is transitioning into its early winter patterns.

This week's outlook Air temperatures are holding steady with highs around 80 and lows in the low 70s. Expect water temperatures to be in the mid to upper 70s. November on Okeechobee means the first wave of pre-spawners are starting to stage near the marsh openings. You should also see schooling activity along the outer grass lines where the bait is moving. Wind will be a factor, blowing out of the north at 18 mph today and shifting south and west later in the week.

Where to start Focus on the lee side of the lake to find the clearest water and most fishable grass. Look for areas where two types of vegetation meet, like reeds against hydrilla or eelgrass. Start on the outer grass lines early for schooling fish, then move slightly inside toward the marsh openings as the sun gets up. If the wind dirties the water on the outside, punch the thicker mats or flip the reed heads where the water stays filtered and clean.

Bait box

• Swim jigs (white or black/blue)
• Prop baits (bluegill or shad patterns)
• Speed worms (junebug or watermelon red)
• Flipping creature baits (black/blue)
• Live wild shiners

This weekend Saturday and Sunday look stable with highs in the low 80s and manageable winds out of the north and northeast. The steady weather should keep the fish feeding on the outer edges. Get out early for the topwater bite, then slow down and pick apart the vegetation seams as the day goes on. Keep an eye on the hazard map if you are running outside the marked channels.