Stevens Creek Reservoir

Stevens Creek Reservoir is an artificial lake located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Cupertino, California. A county park surrounds the reservoir and provides limited fishing ("catch and release"), picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding activities. Although swimming is not allowed, non-power boating (such as a kayak) is allowed. No powered boats or jet skis are allowed.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safe eating advisory for any fish caught in Sevens Creek Reservoir due to elevated levels of mercury.
History.
The reservoir was formed by the Stevens Creek Dam, built in 1935 across Stevens Creek. It is one of the smaller reservoirs owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
Originally named Arroyo de San José Cupertino, Stevens Creek flows into the reservoir and out of the dam to San Francisco Bay. Stevens Creek and the reservoir are named after Captain Elijah Stephens who led the first wagon train across the Sierra Nevada in 1844 and settled in Cupertino.
Stevens Creek Dam.
Stevens Creek Dam is an earthen dam high and long. Its crest is above sea level. In 1985, the dam's height was raised to its present height with the addition of of material.
Stevens Creek County Park.
Stevens Creek County Park is one of 28 Santa Clara County Parks. The park surrounds the reservoir, with the Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve adjacent to its east on the Montebello Ridge (also known as Black Mountain). An entrance to the park lies three miles from Interstate 280. Six miles of trails connect with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.
Fishing.
Bluegill, Koi, Asian Carp, Largemouth Bass, Crappie and other species of fish live in the reservoir. It can be fished only with a permit unless under the age of 16. However it is strictly catch and release because of problems with the concentration of mercury and PCBs in the water.