Fishing in Milpitas Lakes

We’ve got some of the best fishing spots around! No activity can be as rewarding as relaxing near a crystal clear waterway with fishing pole in hand and line in one of Milpitas’ lakes.

Department of Fish and Game plants larger fish.
To enhance anglers abilities to enjoy lakes close to home, the Fishing in the City program provides supplemental stocking of 1 pound rainbow trout and 1 to 2 pound catfish at lakes around the Bay Area, including Sandy Wool Lake and Spring Valley Lake in Milpitas.

CDFW Wildlife Area Operational Changes due to COVID-19
The Department plans to operate wildlife areas to provide recreational opportunities while keeping the public and Department staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to check the Department’s Closure Page for updates.

State Fisheries Biologists Continue Efforts To Eradicate Deadly Fish Bacteria
January 28, 2021. Not affecting Milpitas lakes and ponds or their stocking. Read about affected areas on this site.

Information on purchasing licenses, permits, tags and other entitlements, can be found on CDFW’s Online License Site.

The following Santa Clara County lakes will be planted with 1-pound rainbow trout in the spring. In the summer the lakes are stocked with catfish. Fishing is a favorite activity at Ed R. Levin Park. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked from November through May. Swimming is prohibited.

Latest fish plants at Sandy Wool Lake
Reports by date and species of fish

All you need to know about fishing in Santa Clara County Parks but were afraid to ask
No activity can be as rewarding as relaxing near a crystal clear waterway with 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.

Department of Fish and Game
Yes, children 15 and younger can fish at Sandy Wool Lake without a license. In the summer the lake is stocked with catfish, and in the cooler months with trout.


Ed Levin County Park
Fishing is another favorite activity at Ed R. Levin Park. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked from November through May. Swimming is prohibited.

Flycasters of San Jose
A large and active fly fishing club with a diverse set of offerings catering to fly fishers of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Free Fishing Days
If you’re new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, we have a great deal for you. The Department of Fish and Game offers two “Free Fishing Days” each year. Free Fishing Days for 2022 are Saturday, July 2 and Saturday, September 3.

Fishing in the City
Fishing in the City Clinics gives city dwellers an opportunity to learn how to fish, and to fish close to home. Valid fishing licenses are required of anglers 16 years or older. Anglers 16 years of age and older need to have a fishing license except on Free Fishing Days. (See above dates.)

Salmon in Silicon Valley
Salmon in Silicon Valley? The Valley is not known for its salmon but they are here in very small numbers. Their numbers are so low, that most people don’t know they exist, and if river health and function are not drastically improved, we may loose these salmon for good. Urban Wildlife Research Project of Silicon Valley has been monitoring salmon since 2011 along side other conservation groups Salmon and Stealhead Restoration Group, and Friends of Los Gatos Creek.