Overview
About This Fishery
Calero Reservoir sits in the rolling hills south of San Jose and is widely considered one of the most productive bass fisheries in Santa Clara County. The lake covers roughly 400 surface acres and offers a mix of coves, weed lines, and submerged structure that holds fish year-round.
Bass here can push double digits — reports of 7- and 10-pound fish are not uncommon among local anglers. Crappie and bluegill fishing can be exceptional near the dock and in the deeper coves. Massive carp cruise the shallows and are a blast on light tackle. One important note: due to historic mercury mining in the watershed, all fish from Calero carry an official Do Not Eat advisory. Fish here for the fight, not the table.
Shore access for bank anglers can be limited. A boat, kayak, or float tube will dramatically expand your options and put you on far more productive water.
What's in the Water
Target Species
The main draw. Fish routinely run 2–5 lbs; giants over 7 lbs are reported. Focus on weed edges, coves, and submerged timber.
Excellent near the launch dock and deep in coves. Small jigs and live minnows around brush piles.
Abundant and fun on light tackle. Crickets, worms, and tiny poppers in the shallows.
Night fish the dam with stink bait or chicken liver. Some real bruisers lurk in the deep channel.
Mammoth fish are regularly spotted in the shallows. Dough balls and corn fished on the bottom.
Tactics by Season
When & How to Fish
- Best bass season — fish are shallow and aggressive
- Topwater at dawn: buzzbaits & poppers
- Spawn: target bedding fish in 1–4 ft near coves
- Crappie stack up near brush piles
- Go early or go home — heat shuts fish down midday
- Frog bite in heavy weeds is excellent
- Drop shot finesse rigs in 8–15 ft during midday
- Catfish very active at night near the dam
- Second-best bass season — fish feeding hard
- Chatterbaits and crankbaits parallel to shore
- Jigs and creature baits in weed pockets
- Crappie bite picks up again in coves
- Slow your presentation way down
- Drop shot near the bottom in 10–20 ft
- Noon to 3pm is peak when water warms slightly
- Catfish still active on cut bait near the dam
Know Before You Go
Regulations & Access
- Valid California Sport Fishing License required for all anglers 16 and older
- Do Not Eat advisory in effect for all species — catch-and-release strongly recommended
- Live bait is prohibited in Santa Clara County reservoirs — use artificial lures or dead/prepared bait
- Largemouth bass: 12-inch minimum size, 5-fish daily bag limit (statewide)
- All vessels must pass an aquatic invasive species inspection before launching
- Boating allowed; no wake zones in effect near the launch ramp
- County park entrance fee applies — check Santa Clara County Parks for current rates
- Access via Bailey Ave west to McKean Road, south of San Jose
Regulations change seasonally. Always confirm current rules at CDFW.ca.gov before heading out.