Fish in parks
Fishing can be rewarding and relaxing near a waterway with a fishing pole in hand and line in the water.
We’ve got some of the best fishing spots around! Feeling a little rusty with your casting? Take advantage of our practice fly casting ponds, usually a dedicated enthusiast will be on hand to give you a tip or two.
Bring your family to South Bay Fishing in the City—a kid's fishing clinic that creates opportunities for fishing, outdoor recreation and aquatic education for children and their families.
To keep our beautiful parks and facilities in tip top shape, there are fees associated with many activities. Check our park fees for more information.
Mercury in fish
Mercury has been found to accumulate in Almaden, Calero, Guadalupe, Anderson, and Stevens Creek Reservoirs at levels that make the fish unsafe to eat. This advisory does not affect the treated drinking water supplied from Anderson Reservoir. The water supply is safe.
Sediments containing mercury have been deposited in some of the local reservoirs. Over time, the mercury in the sediment may have been converted to methylmercury by naturally occurring bacteria. Methylmercury is absorbed by aquatic plants and fish. Because these chemicals accumulate in the body, frequent consumption of fish from the lake could, over time, harm the development of fetuses and children, affect the nervous or immune systems in adults, and increase the long-term risk of cancer.
If you have any questions about mercury and its effects, please visit the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) website.
Fishing rules
- Avoid using wet, live bait. Live bait can introduce invasive species into County reservoirs and lakes.
- A valid fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older.
- All shoreline fires are prohibited in County Parks.
All State fishing laws apply in Santa Clara County parks. For more information regarding fishing laws, regulations, and fish planting schedules, visit the State Department of Fish and Wildlife's website, "fish planting schedule," "Central Coast," or the Region's up-to-date recording at (707) 428-2002.
See the 2024-2025 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations.