Empire Lakes is scheduled to be stocked with “pounder” size trout this week. Trophy trout were stocked last month in both Upper and Lower Empire lakes. Bank anglers have been catching trout fishing PowerBait near the bottom while anglers in small boats/kayaks are doing very well trolling spinners in the middle of the lakes.

Excess hatchery steelhead were released into Upper and Lower Empire Lakes the last few weeks. Fishing regulations for these stocked steelhead in Empire Lakes are just like the trout regulations. Anglers can keep 1 fish over 20-inches per day and need only a fishing license.

A paved trail encircling the lakes allows easy access bank fishing. Located in the City of Coos Bay’s John Topits Park, near the community college.