What Empire Lakes Offers

Empire Lakes is a pair of shallow reservoirs about 15 miles inland from Coos Bay, sitting in the low hills between the coast and the Willamette Valley. The two lakes—Upper Empire and Lower Empire—hold largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill in water that warms faster than the coastal bays and rivers you may have just left. If you came from tidal water or the cold Coquille River, Empire feels different: quieter, warmer, and built for a slower day.

The lakes are managed by the Coos County Parks and Recreation Department, and both are open to the public year-round. Upper Empire is the smaller and shallower of the two; Lower Empire holds more water and reaches depths that hold bass through summer. Neither lake is large—you can fish both in a single day—but that makes them useful when you want a break from the bigger systems or when the coast is too windy.

Key Takeaways

  • Empire Lakes hold largemouth bass and catfish in warm, shallow water that is easier to fish than cold coastal rivers.
  • Both Upper and Lower Empire have public boat ramps and day-use areas, though facilities are basic and parking fills on weekends.
  • Bass fishing peaks in spring and early summer; catfish bite steadily from late spring through fall, especially at night.
  • Oregon requires a fishing license for anyone 12 and older, and there are no special restrictions beyond the statewide bass and catfish seasons.

Getting There and What to Bring

From Coos Bay, take Highway 101 north toward Reedsport, then turn east on Empire-Coos City Road. Follow it about 12 miles until you see signs for the lakes. The drive takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Coos Bay. Both lakes have day-use parking areas; Upper Empire's lot is smaller and can fill by mid-morning on summer Saturdays, while Lower Empire usually has more space.

Bring a boat if you have one—a small aluminum skiff or even a canoe works well on these shallow lakes. If you don't own a boat, you can fish from the bank at both lakes, though access is limited to designated areas. The boat ramps are concrete and maintained, but there is no fuel dock or rental service at either lake, so arrive with a full tank.

Facilities are minimal. There are vault toilets at both day-use areas, but no running water, no shade structures, and no food service. Bring water, sunscreen, and lunch. Cell service is spotty, so plan your day before you leave town.

Bass Fishing in Spring and Summer

Largemouth bass in Empire Lakes respond well to the warming water of spring and early summer. From April through June, fish shallow cover—fallen trees, reed beds, and the brushy banks on the north side of Lower Empire—with soft plastics, small crankbaits, or topwater lures early in the morning. The bite slows by mid-day as the sun climbs, then picks up again in the late afternoon.

By July and August, bass move deeper and become harder to find from the bank. If you have a boat, work the deeper holes in Lower Empire—the lake reaches 30 feet in a few spots—and fish during the coolest parts of the day. Topwater and shallow-running lures work best at dawn; switch to deeper-diving crankbaits or soft plastics on the bottom as the day heats up.

Upper Empire stays shallow year-round and produces smaller bass but more of them. It is a good choice if you want consistent action over trophy fish, or if you are fishing with children.

Catfish and Night Fishing

Channel catfish in Empire Lakes bite best from late May through September, and they are most active at night. If you want to fish after dark, bring a headlamp, a rod holder, and patience. Set out chicken liver, cut mackerel, or commercial stink bait on the bottom near deeper water, then wait. Catfish in these lakes run 2 to 5 pounds on average, with occasional fish to 8 or 10 pounds.

Night fishing requires planning: arrive before sunset, set up your rods, and stay until midnight or later. Bring a cooler with ice and water, a flashlight, and insect repellent—mosquitoes are thick in summer evenings. Oregon allows two rods per person, so you can fish two lines at once. Check the current statewide catfish season before you go; it usually runs year-round, but regulations can change.

If you prefer to fish during the day, catfish will bite in the afternoon and early evening, especially on overcast days. They are less active in bright sun, so focus on the shadiest banks or the deepest water you can reach.

Seasons and Weather Patterns

Spring (March through May) brings the most reliable fishing. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s, bass become active, and catfish begin to bite. Rain is common, but it rarely shuts down the bite. Mornings are cool; bring a jacket.

Summer (June through August) is warm and often dry. The lakes can get crowded on weekends, especially Lower Empire. Early morning and evening fishing is most productive; midday is slow. Water temperatures reach the low 70s, which is warm for Oregon but still cool enough to hold bass all day if you fish deep.

Fall (September through November) cools the water and can produce excellent bass fishing in October and early November. Catfish bite slows as water temperatures drop below 60 degrees. By November, most anglers have moved on to steelhead and other fall species.

Winter (December through February) is quiet. Bass fishing is slow, catfish rarely bite, and the lakes can be muddy after heavy rain. Some anglers fish for bluegill in winter, but most people move to other systems.

Regulations and Licensing

You need an Oregon fishing license if you are 12 years old or older. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is useful if you are visiting from out of state. Buy it online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at sporting goods stores in Coos Bay before you drive out to the lakes.

Largemouth bass have a statewide minimum size of 12 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish. Channel catfish have no size limit and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. Bluegill and other panfish have no size limit and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. These rules apply to all of Oregon and do not change by lake, but always check the current regulations before you fish—rules can shift year to year.

No special permits are required to fish Empire Lakes. Day-use parking is free at both lakes. There is no camping at either lake, so plan to return to Coos Bay or find lodging elsewhere.

When Empire Lakes Makes Sense

Empire Lakes work best when you want warm water and a break from the coast. If you have been fishing the Coquille River or Coos Bay and the water is cold or the wind is strong, Empire offers a quieter alternative. The lakes are also good for families with younger children, since the bass are smaller and the setting is less intimidating than a big reservoir or a tidal system.

If you are targeting trophy bass or looking for a full day of heavy action, you may want to drive farther inland to larger reservoirs like Applegate Lake or Lemolo Lake. But if you want a half-day outing, a chance to catch catfish at night, or a place to practice casting without crowds, Empire Lakes deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Empire Lakes year-round?

Yes, both lakes are open year-round. Bass and catfish fishing is best from spring through fall. Winter fishing is slow, and most anglers focus on other systems during that time.

Do I need a boat to fish Empire Lakes?

No. Both lakes have bank access at the day-use areas, though it is limited. A boat gives you more water to cover and access to deeper holes where bass hide in summer, but you can catch fish from shore, especially in spring and when fishing for catfish at night.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late evening are most productive for bass. Catfish bite best at night, especially from late May through September. Midday fishing is slow in summer but can work in spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler.

Are there facilities at the lakes?

Both day-use areas have vault toilets and parking, but no running water, food service, or shade. Bring water, lunch, and sunscreen. There is no camping at either lake.

How far is Empire Lakes from Coos Bay?

About 15 miles inland, roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car from downtown Coos Bay. Take Highway 101 north toward Reedsport, then turn east on Empire-Coos City Road and follow signs to the lakes.