Upper Empire LakeCoos BayPony CreekMingus Park CreekFirst CreekCoos RiverCharleson Boat BasinCoos Bay EntranceSmith ReservoirIsthmus Slough
4.0·180 catches
180
Logged catches
4.0
Top fish species at Lower Empire Lake
See all species in the Fishbrain app
Check which species have trophy potential in Lower Empire Lake
Lower Empire Lake fishing reports
More catches in the app...
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
When are Largemouth Bass biting on Lower Empire Lake?
Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Lower Empire Lake. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.
Fishing regulations at Lower Empire Lake, OR
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Oregon can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Largemouth bass as of April 2nd, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Largemouth bass
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
5
Memorable
1 > 15
Measurement
Total Length
Aggregate
5
Exceptions to Southwest Zone Regulations
Applegate Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Applegate River
Mouth to Applegate Dam
- Open for hatchery trout Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31, 2 per day.
- Wild rainbow trout and cutthroat trout must be released.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling from a floating device.
- All tributaries closed, except Glade Cr.
- Closed from Applegate Dam downstream 1,500 ft to ODFW markers.
Mainstem and tributaries above ApplegateDam
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Ashland Creek
East and West Forks and all tributaries above Reeder Dam
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Big Butte Creek and Tributaries
Above Cobleigh Rd Bridge
- Open for trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Brush Creek (Curry Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed to angling on all tributaries.
Chetco River
Mouth to Nook Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit
myodfw.com
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see page 35).
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing from RM 2.2 to NookCr Sep1 - Nov 3. (See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule pg 18).
Above Nook Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Cooper Creek Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Coos Bay
From the visible tips of jetties upstream to head of tide or other landmarks including: Larson Slough upstream to Sullivan Cr; Palouse Cr to Elliot Forest Boundary; Catching Slough to Sumner Rd Bridge; Kentuck, North, Isthmus, Coalbank and Davis sloughs to their tidegates; Shinglehouse Slough; and Pony Slough to Newmark Ave
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
- Isthmus Slough above MP 3 on Hwy 42 is open to youth angling (ages 17 and under) and Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit holders only; Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction: Leader length must be between 18 and 36 inches (See Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction Rules pg 18).
Coos River (Mainstem)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
Coos River, South Fork
Mouth to head of tide at Dellwood
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
Head of tide at Dellwood to concrete bridge near Tioga Cr
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Coquille River (Mainstem)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Coquille River, East Fork
- Open for wild steelhead (1 per day and 3 per year) and hatchery steelhead from mouth to marker at lower end of Brewster Gorge at approx. MP 23 above Dora Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed 200 ft above and below falls above MP 21 near Dora.
Coquille River, Middle Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
Coquille River, North Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed 200 ft above and below LaVerne Falls.
Coquille River, South Fork
Mouth to Middle Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Middle Fork to USFS boundary near Powers
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
USFS boundary near Powers to Coquille River Falls including tributaries
- Closed.
Coquille Valley Wildlife Area
All waters within the boundary.
- Use of bait allowed.
- During the game bird season; the Winter Lake Tract is only open on Wed, Sat, Sun, and state/federal holidays.
Cow CreekMouth to Middle Cr Bridge
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- Artificial flies and lures only May 22 - Sep 15.
- Use of bait allowed Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec1-31.
- Closed May 1-21 and Sep 16 - Nov 30.
Mainstem above Middle Cr Bridge and all tributaries
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Diamond Lake
- Catch-and-release for tiger and brown trout.
Eel Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30.
Elk River
Mouth to Bald Mt Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Mar 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Emigrant Creek
Mainstem and tributaries above EmigrantDam
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Emigrant Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Euchre Creek
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Ferry Creek and Tributaries (Coquille Basin)
Above Fillmore St Bridge near mouth
- Closed.
Fish Lake (Jackson Co.)
- Catch-and-release for tiger trout.
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Floras Creek and New River
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31, mouth to bridge at MP 1.5 on Floras Cr Rd.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Galesville Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Garrison Lake and Outlet
- 1 bass per day, 15 inch minimum length.
Glade Creek
Mouth to lower crossing of ForestServiceRd2030
- Closed.
Above lower crossing of FSR 2030
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Hubbard Creek and Tributaries (Curry Co.)
- Closed.
Hunter Creek
Mouth to North Fork
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31, mouth to Mateer Bridge; Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- Closed for trout.
- Closed to angling on tributaries.
Illinois River
The following apply to open sections below: *
- Open for hatchery trout Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31, 5 per day.
- Wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Closed to angling on all tributaries.
- Open as described above.
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31; 1perday and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Fall Cr to 400 ft above Illinois Falls
- Closed.
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31; 1perday and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Closed to all angling between 8 Dollar Bridge and Pomeroy Dam Oct 1 - Nov 30.
Mainstem and tributaries above PomeroyDam
- Closed.
Jenny Creek and Tributaries
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Little Butte Creek and Tributaries
Above the Forks
- Catch-and-release for trout except no limit on size or number of brook trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Lost Creek Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Middle Creek (Coos Co.)
Mouth to Cherry Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
Mill Creek
Below Loon Lake
- Closed.
Millicoma River (Mainstem)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Millicoma River, East Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Millicoma River, West Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Mussel / Myrtle Creek and Tributaries (Curry Co.)
- Closed.
Myers Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
North Umpqua River
The following apply to open sections from mouth to marker below Soda Springs Dam: *- Catch-and-release for rainbow and cutthroat trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho salmon.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
Old Hwy 99 bridge to 200 ft above Winchester Dam
- Closed.
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling from a floating device.
- Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction: Leader length must be between 18 and 36 inches Mar 1 - Jul 31 (See Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction Rules pg 18).
Markers (painted lines) above Rock Cr to Fly Area Boundary at Deadline Falls
- Closed.
- Any type of rod or reel permitted.
- No angling from a floating device.
- No added weights or attachments (including strike indicators) to line, leader or fly, except non-fly monofilament lines may have a bobber or similar device attached.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to use of single, barbless artificial fly Jan 1 - Jun 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to use of single, barbless, unweighted, artificial fly Jul 1 - Sep 30.
Marker below Soda Springs Dam near power plant enclosure to Slide Cr Dam (including Soda Springs Reservoir)
- Closed.
Tributaries from mouth to Lone Rock Slide put-in.
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Tributaries from Lone Rock slide put-in to Soda Springs Dam.
- Closed.
Tributaries from Soda Springs Dam to Slide Creek Dam
- Catch-and-release for trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Fish Creek closed from mouth to USFSRd3701 (Big Camas) Bridge.
Mainstem and tributaries above Slide CreekDam
- Open all year.
- Use of bait allowed.
Pistol River
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon May22-Dec31, mouth to Deep Cr; Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Rogue River
The following apply to open sections from mouth to Cole Rivers hatchery dam: *
- Open for hatchery rainbow trout Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- 5 hatchery rainbow trout per day.
- Wild rainbow trout and cutthroat trout must be released.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Feb 1 - Apr 30; 1 per day and 3per season (see pg 35).
- Open all year for hatchery coho salmon.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- Gear Restriction: Any attached weight may be no more the 6ft above the lower most hook, in addition to statewide Hook and Weight regulations (pg 18).
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - May 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jun 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies and lures Sep 1 - Oct 31 from Foster Cr to Whisky Cr.
- Closed from ODFW markers 400 ft below Rainie Falls to Rainie Falls (RM 66).
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - May 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jun 1 - Sep 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed from Gold Hill boat ramp (RM 121) up to Gold Hill municipal water intake.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jun 30.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jul 1 - Aug 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only Nov 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Sep 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jul 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only Nov 1 - Dec31
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jul 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jul 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed from 8pm to one half hour before sunrise Apr 1 - Jul 31.
- Closed to all angling in the Cole Rivers Hatchery outflow channel to confluence with the main river channel.
- Closed to all angling from Apr 1 - Jul 31.
- Closed for Chinook salmon all year.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- No angling from a floating device.
- Closed from ODFW markers below fish ladder entrance to hatchery dam.
Cole Rivers Hatchery Dam to Lost Cr Dam
- Catch-and-release all year.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
Mainstem and tributaries above Lost Cr Dam
- Open all year for trout, 5 per day (brook and brown trout not included in bag limit).
- Only 1 trout over 20 inches per day, no steelhead present all rainbow trout are considered trout.
- Use of bait allowed.
Schuttpelz Lake
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Selmac Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Sixes River
Mouth to Edson Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Edson Cr to South Fork
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Smith River (Mainstem, Douglas Co.)
Mouth to Spencer Cr
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook Jul 1 - Nov 30.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Spencer Cr to Sisters Cr
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only May 22 - Sep 15.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
Mainstem above Sisters Cr and all tributaries
- Open for trout May 22 - Sep 15, 2 per day, 8inch minimum length.
- Use of bait allowed only in tidewater.
- See Smith River, North Fork.
Smith River, North Fork (Douglas Co.)
Mouth to Johnson Cr
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook Jul 1 - Nov 30.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Johnson Cr to Bridge 10
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- Artificial flies and lures only May 22 - Sep 15.
Mainstem above Bridge 10 and all tributaries
- Open for trout May 22 - Sep 15, 2 per day, 8inch minimum length.
- Use of bait allowed only in tidewater.
South Umpqua River
Mainstem mouth to Jackson Cr Bridge
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho salmon Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed May 1-21 and Sep 16 - Nov 30.
Tributaries below Jackson Cr Bridge
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Jackson Cr and tributaries closed.
- See Cow Creek.
Mainstem and tributaries above JacksonCrBridge
- Closed.
Tenmile Creek (Coos Co.)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Tenmile Lakes
Above Hilltop Bridge
- Open for coho salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31; 1wild adult coho salmon and 1 wild jack coho salmon per day and 5 wild adult coho salmon per year (Wild Coho Aggregate BagLimit applies pg 27).
- Closed to two rod angling for all species during coho salmon season.
- Closed for coho salmon angling in all tributaries and the canal connecting the North and South Lakes.
Thomas Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
Tioga CreekMouth to concrete bridge 1/2 mi below
BurntCr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30.
Umpqua River (Mainstem)
The following applies to open sections fromScottsburg Bridge upstream to the River Forks boat ramp: *- From Jun 1 - Sep 30, angling is closed withing 200 feet from all portions of a tributary's mouth. Angling is also closed 200 feet upstream into any open tributary from the mouth.
- Open for trout, May 22 - Oct 31, catch-and-release only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho salmon.
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30. Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit
myodfw.com
- Open for Chinook salmon Jul 1 - Nov 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Open for trout May 22 - Sep 15, 2 per day, 8inch minimum length.
- Use of bait allowed only in tidewater.
- See North Fork Smith River and Smith RiverWinchuck RiverMouth to Wheeler Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- No angling from a floating device.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing Sep 1 - Nov 3 (See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule pg 18).
Lakes: 5 per day, 3 daily limits in possession unless noted under location exceptions.
Streams: No limit.
No more than 1 over 15 inches in length in lakes.
No minimum length in streams.
Angling restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater, May 22-Aug 31. See location exceptions where use of bait is allowed.
Lakes: Open all year.
Streams (including tidewaters and bays): Open during trout, salmon or steelhead seasons.
For more information please see Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations
Micropterus nigricans
Exceptions to Southwest Zone Regulations
Applegate Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Applegate River
Mouth to Applegate Dam
- Open for hatchery trout Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31, 2 per day.
- Wild rainbow trout and cutthroat trout must be released.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling from a floating device.
- All tributaries closed, except Glade Cr.
- Closed from Applegate Dam downstream 1,500 ft to ODFW markers.
Mainstem and tributaries above ApplegateDam
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Ashland Creek
East and West Forks and all tributaries above Reeder Dam
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Big Butte Creek and Tributaries
Above Cobleigh Rd Bridge
- Open for trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Brush Creek (Curry Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed to angling on all tributaries.
Chetco River
Mouth to Nook Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit
myodfw.com
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see page 35).
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing from RM 2.2 to NookCr Sep1 - Nov 3. (See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule pg 18).
Above Nook Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Cooper Creek Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Coos Bay
From the visible tips of jetties upstream to head of tide or other landmarks including: Larson Slough upstream to Sullivan Cr; Palouse Cr to Elliot Forest Boundary; Catching Slough to Sumner Rd Bridge; Kentuck, North, Isthmus, Coalbank and Davis sloughs to their tidegates; Shinglehouse Slough; and Pony Slough to Newmark Ave
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
- Isthmus Slough above MP 3 on Hwy 42 is open to youth angling (ages 17 and under) and Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit holders only; Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction: Leader length must be between 18 and 36 inches (See Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction Rules pg 18).
Coos River (Mainstem)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
Coos River, South Fork
Mouth to head of tide at Dellwood
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
Head of tide at Dellwood to concrete bridge near Tioga Cr
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Coquille River (Mainstem)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Coquille River, East Fork
- Open for wild steelhead (1 per day and 3 per year) and hatchery steelhead from mouth to marker at lower end of Brewster Gorge at approx. MP 23 above Dora Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed 200 ft above and below falls above MP 21 near Dora.
Coquille River, Middle Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
Coquille River, North Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed 200 ft above and below LaVerne Falls.
Coquille River, South Fork
Mouth to Middle Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Middle Fork to USFS boundary near Powers
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
USFS boundary near Powers to Coquille River Falls including tributaries
- Closed.
Coquille Valley Wildlife Area
All waters within the boundary.
- Use of bait allowed.
- During the game bird season; the Winter Lake Tract is only open on Wed, Sat, Sun, and state/federal holidays.
Cow CreekMouth to Middle Cr Bridge
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- Artificial flies and lures only May 22 - Sep 15.
- Use of bait allowed Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec1-31.
- Closed May 1-21 and Sep 16 - Nov 30.
Mainstem above Middle Cr Bridge and all tributaries
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Diamond Lake
- Catch-and-release for tiger and brown trout.
Eel Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30.
Elk River
Mouth to Bald Mt Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Mar 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Emigrant Creek
Mainstem and tributaries above EmigrantDam
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Emigrant Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Euchre Creek
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Ferry Creek and Tributaries (Coquille Basin)
Above Fillmore St Bridge near mouth
- Closed.
Fish Lake (Jackson Co.)
- Catch-and-release for tiger trout.
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Floras Creek and New River
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31, mouth to bridge at MP 1.5 on Floras Cr Rd.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Galesville Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Garrison Lake and Outlet
- 1 bass per day, 15 inch minimum length.
Glade Creek
Mouth to lower crossing of ForestServiceRd2030
- Closed.
Above lower crossing of FSR 2030
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Hubbard Creek and Tributaries (Curry Co.)
- Closed.
Hunter Creek
Mouth to North Fork
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31, mouth to Mateer Bridge; Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- Closed for trout.
- Closed to angling on tributaries.
Illinois River
The following apply to open sections below: *
- Open for hatchery trout Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31, 5 per day.
- Wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Closed to angling on all tributaries.
- Open as described above.
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31; 1perday and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Fall Cr to 400 ft above Illinois Falls
- Closed.
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31; 1perday and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Closed to all angling between 8 Dollar Bridge and Pomeroy Dam Oct 1 - Nov 30.
Mainstem and tributaries above PomeroyDam
- Closed.
Jenny Creek and Tributaries
- Open all year for trout.
- Rainbow trout over 16 inches are not considered steelhead.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Little Butte Creek and Tributaries
Above the Forks
- Catch-and-release for trout except no limit on size or number of brook trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Lost Creek Reservoir
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Middle Creek (Coos Co.)
Mouth to Cherry Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
Mill Creek
Below Loon Lake
- Closed.
Millicoma River (Mainstem)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open all year for Chinook salmon.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Millicoma River, East Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Millicoma River, West Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Mussel / Myrtle Creek and Tributaries (Curry Co.)
- Closed.
Myers Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
North Umpqua River
The following apply to open sections from mouth to marker below Soda Springs Dam: *- Catch-and-release for rainbow and cutthroat trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho salmon.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
Old Hwy 99 bridge to 200 ft above Winchester Dam
- Closed.
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling from a floating device.
- Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction: Leader length must be between 18 and 36 inches Mar 1 - Jul 31 (See Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction Rules pg 18).
Markers (painted lines) above Rock Cr to Fly Area Boundary at Deadline Falls
- Closed.
- Any type of rod or reel permitted.
- No angling from a floating device.
- No added weights or attachments (including strike indicators) to line, leader or fly, except non-fly monofilament lines may have a bobber or similar device attached.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to use of single, barbless artificial fly Jan 1 - Jun 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to use of single, barbless, unweighted, artificial fly Jul 1 - Sep 30.
Marker below Soda Springs Dam near power plant enclosure to Slide Cr Dam (including Soda Springs Reservoir)
- Closed.
Tributaries from mouth to Lone Rock Slide put-in.
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Tributaries from Lone Rock slide put-in to Soda Springs Dam.
- Closed.
Tributaries from Soda Springs Dam to Slide Creek Dam
- Catch-and-release for trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Fish Creek closed from mouth to USFSRd3701 (Big Camas) Bridge.
Mainstem and tributaries above Slide CreekDam
- Open all year.
- Use of bait allowed.
Pistol River
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon May22-Dec31, mouth to Deep Cr; Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Rogue River
The following apply to open sections from mouth to Cole Rivers hatchery dam: *
- Open for hatchery rainbow trout Jan 1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- 5 hatchery rainbow trout per day.
- Wild rainbow trout and cutthroat trout must be released.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Feb 1 - Apr 30; 1 per day and 3per season (see pg 35).
- Open all year for hatchery coho salmon.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- Gear Restriction: Any attached weight may be no more the 6ft above the lower most hook, in addition to statewide Hook and Weight regulations (pg 18).
- Wild steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - May 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jun 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies and lures Sep 1 - Oct 31 from Foster Cr to Whisky Cr.
- Closed from ODFW markers 400 ft below Rainie Falls to Rainie Falls (RM 66).
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - May 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jun 1 - Sep 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed from Gold Hill boat ramp (RM 121) up to Gold Hill municipal water intake.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jun 30.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jul 1 - Aug 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only Nov 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Sep 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jul 31.
- Artificial flies and lures only Nov 1 - Dec31
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jul 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1 - Jul 31.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- Closed for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed from 8pm to one half hour before sunrise Apr 1 - Jul 31.
- Closed to all angling in the Cole Rivers Hatchery outflow channel to confluence with the main river channel.
- Closed to all angling from Apr 1 - Jul 31.
- Closed for Chinook salmon all year.
- Use of bait allowed except restricted to artificial flies Sep 1 - Oct 31, no added weights or attachments except a bubble or similar floating device attached to the line.
- No angling from a floating device.
- Closed from ODFW markers below fish ladder entrance to hatchery dam.
Cole Rivers Hatchery Dam to Lost Cr Dam
- Catch-and-release all year.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
Mainstem and tributaries above Lost Cr Dam
- Open all year for trout, 5 per day (brook and brown trout not included in bag limit).
- Only 1 trout over 20 inches per day, no steelhead present all rainbow trout are considered trout.
- Use of bait allowed.
Schuttpelz Lake
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Selmac Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Sixes River
Mouth to Edson Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Edson Cr to South Fork
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
Smith River (Mainstem, Douglas Co.)
Mouth to Spencer Cr
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook Jul 1 - Nov 30.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Spencer Cr to Sisters Cr
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only May 22 - Sep 15.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
Mainstem above Sisters Cr and all tributaries
- Open for trout May 22 - Sep 15, 2 per day, 8inch minimum length.
- Use of bait allowed only in tidewater.
- See Smith River, North Fork.
Smith River, North Fork (Douglas Co.)
Mouth to Johnson Cr
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook Jul 1 - Nov 30.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
Johnson Cr to Bridge 10
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- Artificial flies and lures only May 22 - Sep 15.
Mainstem above Bridge 10 and all tributaries
- Open for trout May 22 - Sep 15, 2 per day, 8inch minimum length.
- Use of bait allowed only in tidewater.
South Umpqua River
Mainstem mouth to Jackson Cr Bridge
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho salmon Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed May 1-21 and Sep 16 - Nov 30.
Tributaries below Jackson Cr Bridge
- Open for trout, May 22 - Sep 15, catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Jackson Cr and tributaries closed.
- See Cow Creek.
Mainstem and tributaries above JacksonCrBridge
- Closed.
Tenmile Creek (Coos Co.)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Tenmile Lakes
Above Hilltop Bridge
- Open for coho salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31; 1wild adult coho salmon and 1 wild jack coho salmon per day and 5 wild adult coho salmon per year (Wild Coho Aggregate BagLimit applies pg 27).
- Closed to two rod angling for all species during coho salmon season.
- Closed for coho salmon angling in all tributaries and the canal connecting the North and South Lakes.
Thomas Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
Tioga CreekMouth to concrete bridge 1/2 mi below
BurntCr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Apr 30.
Umpqua River (Mainstem)
The following applies to open sections fromScottsburg Bridge upstream to the River Forks boat ramp: *- From Jun 1 - Sep 30, angling is closed withing 200 feet from all portions of a tributary's mouth. Angling is also closed 200 feet upstream into any open tributary from the mouth.
- Open for trout, May 22 - Oct 31, catch-and-release only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho salmon.
- Open for Chinook salmon Feb 1 - Jun 30. Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit
myodfw.com
- Open for Chinook salmon Jul 1 - Nov 30.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Open for trout May 22 - Sep 15, 2 per day, 8inch minimum length.
- Use of bait allowed only in tidewater.
- See North Fork Smith River and Smith RiverWinchuck RiverMouth to Wheeler Cr
- Open for steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec1-31.
- Wild steelhead may be harvested; 1 per day and 3 per season (see pg 35).
- Open for Chinook salmon May 22 - Dec 31.
- Wild Chinook regulations are determined on an annual basis. Visit myodfw.com
- No angling from a floating device.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing Sep 1 - Nov 3 (See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule pg 18).
Regulations for
43°23′45.3″N 124°15′40.6″W
FAQ about Lower Empire Lake fishing
Lower Empire Lake is a lake located in Coos County, Oregon, United States. Its coordinates are:
43°23′45.3″N 124°15′40.6″W
.Find the best fishing spots on Lower Empire Lake by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in Lower Empire Lake are:
- Largemouth bass - 29 members reported to have caught this fish
- Rainbow trout - 18 members reported to have caught this fish
- Bluegill - 7 members reported to have caught this fish
The latest Lower Empire Lake fishing reports are:
- @Fish.on.Rob reported a nice Coastal cutthroat trout.
- @KeepinItOldSchoolBassFishin reported a nice Yellow perch.
- @wolfman.olson reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @wolfman.olson reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @wolfman.olson reported a nice Largemouth bass.
Download Fishbrain and fish smarter
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish.
Free trial available