Upper Otay Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Otay Reservoir |
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Upper Otay Reservoir, view from the north
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 Upper Otay Reservoir
Location in California
Upper Otay Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | San Diego County, California |
| Coordinates | 32°39′07″N 116°56′06″W / 32.652°N 116.935°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 522 feet (159 m) |
Upper Otay Reservoir, also known as Upper Otay Lake, is a special lake in San Diego County, California. It's not a natural lake, but an artificial one, meaning it was made by people. This lake covers about 20 acres.
It was created in 1959 for a very important reason. It was a "hatchery," a place where baby fish are raised. Specifically, it was used to help grow and introduce Florida Largemouth bass into the area. This helped to make sure there were plenty of these fish for people to enjoy.
The reservoir first opened to the public in 1996. Since then, it has been a popular spot for fishing. For a while, it was also a place where people went waterfowl hunting, but this activity stopped in 2002.
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What is Upper Otay Reservoir?
Upper Otay Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the southern part of San Diego County, California. It was built to serve specific purposes, mainly related to fish and water management. The lake is relatively small, covering an area of 20 acres.
It sits at an elevation of about 522 feet above sea level. This reservoir is a great example of how humans can create new habitats and recreational areas. It also shows how we can manage natural resources like water and fish populations.
Why Was It Created?
The main reason Upper Otay Reservoir was built in 1959 was to be a fish hatchery. A hatchery is like a nursery for fish. Here, Florida Largemouth bass were bred and raised. Once they were big enough, they were released into other lakes and rivers. This helped to increase the number of these popular fish in California.
This project was important for fishing enthusiasts. It made sure there was a healthy population of bass for sport fishing. It also helped to keep the local aquatic ecosystems balanced.
Public Access and Activities
Upper Otay Reservoir became open to everyone in 1996. Since then, it has been a favorite spot for many outdoor activities. The most popular activity at the reservoir is fishing. Anglers come here hoping to catch the famous Florida Largemouth bass.
For a time, the reservoir was also used for waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl are birds like ducks and geese that live near water. However, hunting was stopped at the reservoir in 2002. Now, the focus is more on fishing and enjoying nature in a peaceful way.
Restoring the Reservoir
In 2014, a big project started to help make Upper Otay Reservoir even better. The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department worked with a non-profit group called Rivers Partners. Their goal was to restore the area around the reservoir.
This restoration project cost about $1.2 million. It focused on a large area of about 100 acres. This included five small streams that flow into the reservoir. These streams are part of the "watershed," which is the land area that drains water into the lake.
Why Restoration is Important
Restoring the watershed helps keep the reservoir healthy. It improves the water quality, which is good for the fish and other wildlife. It also helps to protect the natural environment around the lake. This kind of work ensures that places like Upper Otay Reservoir can be enjoyed for many years to come. It's all about taking care of our planet!
