Overview
About This Fishery
Coyote Creek is a 64-mile stream running from the hills of Mount Hamilton all the way to San Francisco Bay. For South Bay anglers, the accessible stretches through San Jose and the lower valley offer urban creek fishing that routinely surprises people with its quality. Multiple access points exist along the Coyote Creek Trail.
The creek is most popular for largemouth bass in slower, deeper pools and carp in the shallows, with bluegill found throughout. It's also a historically significant steelhead and salmon corridor — restoration efforts are ongoing, and steelhead have been documented in the lower creek in high-flow winters.
Creek fishing rewards anglers who read the water. Look for shaded pools with depth behind structure — fallen timber, bridge pilings, and undercut banks all hold fish. Flows vary dramatically by season; the creek can run very low in late summer and can flood dangerously after winter storms. Always check conditions before you go.
What's in the Water
Target Species
The top target in deeper pools and slow bends. Work soft plastics and jigs along undercut banks and woody structure.
Everywhere in the creek. Perfect light tackle sport — worms or small spinners under a bobber.
Massive carp cruise the shallow flats. Sight fishing with corn or dough balls can be exciting, technical sport.
Lower Coyote Creek has documented steelhead in wet years. Rare and special — release immediately and handle with extreme care.
Tactics by Season
When & How to Fish
- Bass active in warming pools — best season
- Spinnerbaits and shallow crankbaits in slower sections
- Flows can be high — target eddies behind structure
- Carp beginning to show in the shallows
- Fish early — creek can get very low and warm
- Shade is critical — fish under bridges and tree canopy
- Carp sight fishing in clear low-water flats
- Small tubes and grubs for bass in the deeper holes
- Great bass season as temperatures cool
- Jigs and soft plastics near woody structure
- Flows begin returning with the first fall rains
- Carp still active before the winter cool-down
- Flows can be high and fast after storms — use caution
- Focus on slower backwater pockets out of the current
- Rare steelhead opportunity in high-flow years
- Bass slow significantly — use finesse presentations
Know Before You Go
Regulations & Access
- California Sport Fishing License required for anglers 16 and older
- Standard California inland fishing regulations apply throughout the creek
- Check for any steelhead-specific closures before fishing in winter and spring
- Largemouth bass: 12-inch minimum, 5-fish daily bag limit (statewide)
- If you encounter a steelhead, release it immediately — handle gently and do not remove from water
- Multiple access points available along the Coyote Creek Trail through San Jose and Morgan Hill
- Stay on public trail access points — be aware of private property boundaries
- Regulations may differ in creek sections that cross into Alameda County
Regulations change seasonally. Always confirm current rules at CDFW.ca.gov before heading out.