Lake Mission Viejo
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Lake Mission Viejo is a man-made lake located in Mission Viejo, California. It is near the city's northern tip with a stunning backdrop of Santiago Peak about five milies further north. The lake is an exclusive membership only for residents that live within the association boundaries of Mission Viejo. There is a monthly due for those who are lake members. The lake is stocked with fish and is safe for swimming. It was a major accomplishment to make a stagnant lake with no source, safe to swim in. Water quality is checked daily at each of the beaches on the lake. The lake is surrounded by homes. There are two communities of custom, multimillion dollars homes, on the east and west flanks of the lake. On the west is guard gated Tres Vistas Estates, which features waterfront homes with boat docks, ridge homes with views, a private beach, entertainment plaza, and boat storage yard. On the east is San Marino Estates which features waterfront customs with boat docks, and tracts on the ridge with views. The community is within walking distance to Playa del Este. There are two condominium neighborhoods. On the west is the more expensive Mallorcas, with a private beach and clubhouse. On the east is the Finisteras on the Lake, also with a private beach and clubhouse. Several communities on the hills around the lake such as Canyon Crest and Vista del Lago have excellent views of the lake and its valley. Plaza del Lago is located on the lake, with upscale shops, a Fitness 19, services such a dry cleaning, and several restraunts such as Peppino's, Tortilla Flats, The Fish Market, and Yama Sushi.
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[edit] Beaches
There are two main beaches, Playa del Norte and Playa del Este, with a few smaller, private beaches. The larger beaches are both protected by the Lake Mission Viejo Lifeguards. Both beaches contain playgrounds, horseshoe pits, barbecues and picnic areas, snack bars and fishing areas.
[edit] Playa del Norte
More commonly referred to as North Beach, Playa del Norte is the largest beach at Lake Mission Viejo. It contains the largest sandy beach area, volleyball courts, a full basketball court, and a club house available to rent. All of the administration buildings are located at Playa del Norte. Almost all rentals and boat launching is located at Playa del Norte. Playa del Norte is open all year round. Excellent food services are provided by Tony's at Lake Mission Viejo during the summer season as well as the catering of all concerts and events at the lake.
[edit] Playa del Este
More commonly referred to as East Beach, Playa del Este is the second largest beach at Lake Mission Viejo. It contains a basketball half court and has Kayaks and Pedal Boats available for rent. Playa del Este is open daily during summer and on weekends during the fall and spring. East Beach also has a snack bar operated by Tony's at Lake Mission Viejo that is open during the summer season.
[edit] Lifeguards
Both Playa del Norte and Playa del Este are watched over by the Lake Mission Viejo Lifeguards. The lifeguard headquarters is located at Playa del Norte. There are three lifeguard towers on Playa Del Norte, with one floating tower outside the swim area. Playa Del Este has two lifeguard towers with one floating tower. There is a staff of approximately 50 lifeguards in the summer season, and approximately 25 in the off-season. Lake Mission Viejo lifeguards have three 17' Boston Whaler's, each outfitted with scuba gear, first aid, oxygen therapy, and equipment for patient immobilization, with one 15’ Dive boat for the SCUBA team, and a lifeguard pickup truck.
[edit] Boating
Lake Mission Viejo has a wide range of boats available to rent at Playa del Norte. The boats available to rent include:
- Single Kayaks
- Tandem Kayaks
- 2 Seat Pedal Boats
- 4 Seat Pedal Boats
- 15’ Row Boats
- 15’ Electric Boats
- 14' Capri Sailboats
- Party Boats
Electric outboard motor and batteries are also available to rent.
[edit] Fishing
Lake Mission Viejo is home to many fish. Some of the fish inhabiting the lake are Bass, Catfish, Trout, and Sunfish, such as Bluegill and Black Crappie. Trout are restocked annually during the winter time as they rarely survive the warm summers. You are allowed to fish off of rental fishing boats, registered private boats, and in the designated fishing areas. You are not allowed to fish in the swimming area. Although catch & release fishing is encouraged, all trout caught, up to a daily bag limit of 4, must be kept and not released back into the lake.
[edit] Fishing Events
Every winter 100 tagged trout are released into the lake. When one is caught, take the tag off and bring it to the front desk with the weight of the fish. A wide range of prizes are available from bait to rods.
[edit] Fishing Records
April 1, 2006, George Coniglio caught a 19 lbs 12 oz largemouth bass. It is the biggest bass legally caught in the state - and perhaps country - this year and ranks 13th largest all-time nationwide. The fish measured 28 inches long with a 26-inch girth. [1]
