Location
and Overview Laguna
Niguel Lake sits in Laguna Niguel, California, in the heart of southern
Orange County. Located at 28241 La Paz Road (check out the map),
this little gem proves that you don’t have to leave the suburbs
to go fishing. For out of town anglers, Laguna Niguel Lake is just one
of many fresh- and saltwater fishing opportunities located in the Orange
County area.
Fishin'
Laguna Niguel Lake
Laguna Niguel Lake
offers anglers an assortment of game fish to choose from, including
largemouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill,
and crappie. Bass, which are catch-and-release only, can be caught
all year, while the best trout fishing occurs during the cooler months
from November to May. In addition to rainbows, the lake’s management
have started stocking Alpers trout, so the possibility of catching
a trophy-sized trout here is a very real one. During the summer, catfish
and bass become the main attractions. A small bait shop at the lake
sells bait and tackle, and the staff
can give you the lowdown on which baits and lures are producing well
for each species at any given time. The shop offers pole rentals as
well.
Click
here for a list of scheduled fish planting dates.
Although
private boats are not allowed on the lake, rental boats are available
– click here for rental fees and more information. Anglers may
also fish from float tubes (for a $10 launching fee), as well as from
the shore or from any of five fishing docks located around the lake.
Fish
cleaning facilities and picnic areas are available for use.
Weather
Weather in Orange County is usually temperate, with high temperatures
ranging from the 50’s during the winter months into the 90’s
in summer. Extremes of weather are unusual, although you should check
the local forecast for rain or wind before planning a trip here.
Click
here to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the town
of Laguna Niguel.
Lodging
and Camping
Since Laguna Niguel Lake is located right in the middle of a suburban
area, out-of-town anglers would do best to stay at any of the numerous
hotels in the area. Although lodging
right by the lake is somewhat scarce, several hotels are located in
the vicinity of John Wayne Airport just a few minutes to the north.
Room prices and availability may vary throughout the year, so make
sure you check prior to taking a trip here.
For
those so inclined, there are several campgrounds located within easy
driving distance of the lake, although there is no camping at the lake
itself. Click
here for more information on area campgrounds.
Licensing
and Regulations
Since Laguna Niguel Lake is a privately-owned facility, no state fishing
license is required to fish there. Anglers must purchase a day use pass
at the store located on the premises, which then entitles them to take
and possess a total of five game fish of all species (except for bass,
which must be caught and released). The pass costs $18 for adults and
$13 for children ages 3-16. Hours of operation, seven days a week, are
6 am – 5 pm from November 1 thru March 31, and 6 am – 8
pm from April 1 thru October 31.
For
more information on Laguna Niguel Lake, check out their website, or
call (949) 362-3885.
