Lake Mission Viejo
| Lake Mission Viejo in 2010 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Mission Viejo, California |
| Coordinates | 33°37′36″N 117°38′53″W / 33.62667°N 117.64806°WCoordinates: 33°37′36″N 117°38′53″W / 33.62667°N 117.64806°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1 mile |
| Average depth | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Max. depth | 70 ft |
| Surface elevation | 636 ft (194 m) |
Lake Mission Viejo is a reservoir entirely within Mission Viejo, Orange County, California. About 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Santiago Peak, a peak in the Santa Ana Mountains, the reservoir is formed by an earthfill dam across the canyon of Oso Creek, which is part of the Trabuco Creek and San Juan Creek drainage basin. The lake is not fed by urban runoff; it is maintained so as to be safe for contact. Two man-made beaches are located on the north and east ends of the lake. The lake is annually stocked with fish.
Located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, the lake is surrounded primarily by private residential (single-family and condominium) communities, and the lake is a private membership for Mission Viejo residents only. The primary marina is located in the northwesternmost arm of the reservoir. Upstream of Lake Mission Viejo is Upper Oso Reservoir, which spills downstream and into Mission Viejo in wet years.
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.
Playa del Norte (or North Beach)
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. 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.
Playa del Este (Or East Beach)
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.
Swimmer's Itch
During spring and some times of the summer, swimmer's itch, also called cercarial dermatitis appear. It is a microscopic pest that lives on hosts like birds and snails by biting into their skin. Once it bites a human, it dies but leaves an irritated area or bump like a mosquito bite. The itching will be gone as well as the bump in a few days. Swimmer's itch can be prevented by showering thoroughly after swimming.
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. There is also a "junior lifeguard" program at the lake, during summers. 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 17’ Boston Whaler Dive boat for the SCUBA team, and a lifeguard pickup truck. The lifeguard department is commanded by a lifeguard captain, three lifeguard officers, three part time supervisors, and BBB.
Boating
Lake Mission Viejo has a wide range of boats available to rent at Playa del Norte. The boats available to rent include:
- Single & double Kayaks
- 2 Seat Pedal Boats
- 4 Seat Pedal Boats
- 15’ Row Boats
- 15’ Electric Boats
- 14' Sailboat/Capri Sailboats
- Party Boats
Electric outboard motor and batteries are also available to rent.
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 from 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.
Records
On 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]