Overview
About This Fishery
Uvas Reservoir is tucked into the hills west of Morgan Hill, with access along County Highway G8.
This is my go-to fishery. As frustrating as the fishing can be, there's decent bass fishing when water levels are up.
It's bank fishing only, but the lack of boat traffic means fish see less pressure here than at Calero or Coyote Lake. Supposedly there are trout, crappie, and bluegill, but recently all I've ever seen are bass and carp.
Uvas is officially catch-and-release only. Like most of Santa Clara's fisheries, there's a mercury advisory. No wet, live bait.
What I've seen work here are creature baits on carolina rigs. If you have something that works for carp, let me know. I've said it before and I'll say it again, carp are a vastly under-rated and under-fished invasive species.
You can park near the boat ramp and fish there, or park along the road and fish near the dam. There's a lot of wood debris piled up near the dam which is submerged when water levels are up. This gives the fish plenty of structure, but it's also plenty to snag on.
I fish weedless drop shots and the carolina rig. I've also seen people have success with shallow diving crank baits. Coyote Bait and Tackle recommends more red colored crawdad imitations.
What's in the Water
Target Species
The star of the show. When the lake is full and the water is cool, the bass fishing here challenging but rewarding. Warmer water puts down the fish. Try creature baits on a Carolina rigs or drop shots.
Let me know if you see any.
Let me know if you see any. I used to catch these here with my kids years ago, but haven't seen any in recent years. Wet live bait isn't permitted any more. Try a cricket.
Let me know if you see any.
Tactics by Season
When & How to Fish
- Bass move shallow — best time of year
- Work around the boat ramp and the dam with soft plastics
- Shallow diving crank baits near the dam may work
- Carolina and drop shots to get off the muck at the bottom
- Fish early morning before heat sets in, or just before sundown
- Topwater hasn't worked for me, but try a craw imitation
- The midday heat is tough fishing, try to get to the bottom
- Carp can be seen in large schools in the cove to the right of the boatramp
- Strong fall bass with cooler water
- Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and Senkos productive
- Bass hold near the bottom — let baits sink
- Water temps drop — fish very slowly
- Drop shot near the dam in deeper water
- Target midday warmth windows for best action
Know Before You Go
Regulations & Access
- California Sport Fishing License required for anglers 16 and older
- Catch-and-release only — no fish may be kept at Uvas Reservoir. Mercury advisory applies
- Wet, live bait is prohibited — artificial lures and dead/prepared bait only
- No boats permitted
- All state fishing laws apply within county park boundaries
- Park hours and entrance fees set by Santa Clara County Parks
- Access from County Highway G8, west of Morgan Hill
Regulations change seasonally. Always confirm current rules at CDFW.ca.gov before heading out.
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