Upper Empire Lake was stocked with trout last week. 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.

Fishing for bluegills on Lower Empire Lake has been good but most of the fish are small. Use a small jig tipped with a piece of worm to catch the bluegills. Largemouth bass anglers are having success fishing with topwater lures and swimbaits early in the morning or late in the evening.

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.