Coyote Reservoir lies along Coyote Reservoir
Road in the foothills northeast of Gilroy.
Landscaped with oak, chaparral and pine
trees, this small woodsy enchanting lake
rests between two foothills in the Mt.
Hamilton Mountain Range. The lake provides ample opportunities for
sailing, canoeing, kayaking, power boating,
jet and waterskiing, and kayak fishing.
A special feature of this picturesque lake
is the abundance of wildlife that can be
seen throughout the wooded area along the
access road towards the end of the lake
before the dam. Within moments of my
arrival, I saw two bobcats and a number of
deer. The terrain at Coyote Lake was a
pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to
find such a wilderness atmosphere here due
to the close proximity of a residential
community.
Coyote Lake provides superb kayak angling
opportunities for bass, catfish, crappie,
bluegill, and trout. Largemouth bass and
rainbow trout are the most popular species
of fish taken here. Florida-strain bass
weighing up to 13 pounds were reported
caught at Coyote Lake in recent years.
Fishing for bass provides the best action
during the spring and early summer, but the
because the lake is often drawn down in the
fall, bass action slows way down to a
dribble.
This
picturesque lake offers sheltered inlets and
numerous coves to explore. The rugged and
rocky shoreline provides only limited
pullout access locations.