Lake Mission Viejo

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Mission Viejo
image_lake = Lake-mission-viejo.jpg‎
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location = Mission Viejo, California
coords = coord|33|37|36|N|117|38|53|W|type:waterbody_region:GB_source:gnis|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
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basin_countries = United States
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elevation = convert|636|ft|abbr=on|lk=on
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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 miles 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 dollar 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 restaurants such as Peppino's, Tortilla Flats and Yama Sushi.

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.

wimmer'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. 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.

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 BoatsElectric 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.

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.

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. [ [http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/columns/article_1091579.php/ Orange County Register] ]

References

*gnis|1765671

External links

* [http://www.lakemissionviejo.org/ Lake Mission Viejo Association]
* [http://www.lakemissionviejo.org/07safety/lifemain.html Lake Mission Viejo Lifeguards]