Overview
About This Fishery
Coyote Lake (also known as Coyote Reservoir) 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.
The lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and carp. Catfish are the after-dark highlight — some truly large fish come out of Coyote at night. 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.
What's in the Water
Target Species
Solid population throughout the lake. Work jigs and crankbaits near the dam wall and rocky points.
Less common than largemouth but present — target rocky structure with drop shots and finesse rigs.
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.
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
Regulations change seasonally. Always confirm current rules at CDFW.ca.gov before heading out.