Lake Whitefish fishing at Empire Lake

In spring, lake whitefish run shallow here, mostly 13 to 43 ft. Summer fish stay in 13 to 43 ft, and winter fish hold in 13 to 43 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 37 ft that scores prime in summer. Best bite is early morning. Summer baits: a blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon gets it done.

Yellow Perch fishing at Empire Lake

Start shallow in spring: yellow perch sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 15 to 35 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 19 ft, rated prime for summer yellow perch. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Northern Pike fishing at Empire Lake

In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 5 to 15 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 19 ft, rated prime for fall northern pike. Best bite is early morning and the evening. Tie on a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage and you're in the game.

How deep is Empire Lake?

Empire Lake is about 43 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Empire Lake?

Anglers target northern pike, yellow perch, lake whitefish on Empire Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Empire Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 37 ft of water that rates prime for lake whitefish in summer. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Empire Lake?

For lake whitefish, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.