Overview
About This Fishery
Coyote Lake (also known as Coyote Reservoir and Harvey Bear) sits inside the 4,595-acre Coyote-Bear County Park near Morgan Hill. It's a full-featured destination — three-lane concrete boat ramp, two docks, camping, and plenty of room to escape the crowds. Fishing within the park is catch-and-release only due to mercury contamination.
The lake holds largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and carp. Catfish are the after-dark highlight — some truly large fish come out of Coyote at night. The park closes to visitors at sunset, but if you're camping I couldn't find any regulations against night fishing. Bass anglers do well near the dam wall and along rocky points.
Boating is restricted seasonally: the lake closes to all watercraft from mid-October through mid-April. Plan your spring through fall trips if you need the ramp. Shore anglers can find good water from the banks year-round.
There is a fee for vehicle entry into the park. The last I checked it was $6, but a pro tip is to get a pass from the library that lets you into the county parks for free. The lake is closed to fishing during the winter. It does not say this at the park entrance, which is a bit misleading, but there is a sign near the dam which closes the lake to fishing from around December to March. Call the park to see if it's open if you plan on fishing during the winter season.
What's in the Water
Target Species
Solid population throughout the lake. Work jigs and crankbaits near the dam wall and rocky points.
Schooling fish near structure and brush. Small jigs, marabou flies, and grubs work well.
The after-dark star. Night fish near the dam and inlets with stink bait, nightcrawlers, or cut bait.
Readily caught along brushy shorelines. A great option for families and beginners.
Common in the lake, especially near muddy bottoms. Use corn or dough balls fished on the bottom.
Tactics by Season
When & How to Fish
- Boat ramp opens mid-April — prime timing
- Bass spawn in the shallows — topwater early
- Work the dam wall with jigs for active fish
- Crappie stack up near structure this time of year
- Catfish nights are prime — bring the stink bait
- Bass retreat deep midday — fish at first light
- Crankbaits along rocky shores at dawn
- Watch for schooling bass chasing shad at the surface
- Excellent bass season as water cools
- Spinnerbaits and reaction baits parallel to shore
- Boat ramp closes mid-October — last chance on the water
- Catfish still producing strong into October
- Boating closed mid-Oct to mid-April
- Shore fish with slow presentations near structure
- Midday is the best window in cold months
- Catfish still bite from the bank on cut bait
Know Before You Go
Regulations & Access
- California Sport Fishing License required for anglers 16 and older
- Catch-and-release only within Coyote-Bear County Park boundaries
- Live bait prohibited in Santa Clara County reservoirs
- Boating closed approximately mid-October to mid-April annually
- Power boating, kayaking, sailing, and canoeing all permitted in season
- Three-lane concrete boat ramp with two docks; paved parking available on site
- Swimming is not permitted — Santa Clara Valley Water District restriction
- RV and tent camping available in the surrounding county park — reservations recommended
- Check Santa Clara County Parks for current fees, hours, and reservations
- Last I checked, it was a $6 vehicle entry fee
Regulations change seasonally. Always confirm current rules at CDFW.ca.gov before heading out.