Kayaking Coyote Lake
  

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.

Map of Coyote Lake

  
 
 
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