It is the second largest reservoir owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

[2] A 4,595-acre county park ("Coyote-Bear") surrounds the reservoir,[3] and provides camping (RVs and tents), fishing[4] ("catch-and-release"), picnicking, and hiking activities.

[5] Power boating, jetskiing, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing/kayaking and fishing are all allowed in the reservoir.

[6] The boat launch ramp is located two miles north of the visitor center.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safe eating advisory for any fish caught in the Coyote lake due to elevated levels of mercury.