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Lake Poway History
www.poway.org/Index.aspx?page=534

Concerns that the area needed a water source in case of any problems with the Colorado River aqueduct led to the first step in the creation of the park. In 1959, the Boyle Engineering firm was commissioned to develop a master plan. In addition to the obvious need for additional water facilities, the site was suggested as the best for a dam.

There followed three attempts to pass bond issues to support the development. Those of 1963 and 1966 were supported by a majority but fell short of the 2/3’s needed to pass. With strong support from the Poway Jaycees, the June 1969 $3.2 million Municipal Water District bond was approved to develop a dam and filtration plant. (Taxpayers accepted assessments of $250 for individual family homes, and $125 for multifamily units).

Construction of the dam and filtration plant began in late 1970 when the $2.5 million contract for the Poway Dam in Warren Canyon was awarded to the Peter Kiewit & Sons, Company. The 160’ above-stream-bed earthen dam was completed late in 1971, six months ahead of schedule, with a 1000’ thick base that narrows to a 20’ thickness at the top.

The reservoir became a multi-purpose lake when a grant in the amount of $959,000 was received from the California Department of Water Resources under the Davis-Grunsky Act. Engineers estimated that the recreation portion of the development would cost more than ½ million dollars. Ralph Nelson, the lowest of 10 bidders, got the contract for $490,000. By August of 1972, a 300’ boat dock, a 100’ fishing pier, concession building and restrooms were built and 17 acres were landscaped, including picnic areas with 75 plastic tables. There were also boat ramps, parking lots, turf areas with sprinklers, and a pavilion with a kitchen for rent by groups.

The grand opening took place on Saturday, October 28, 1972, when the population of Poway was 21,000. The festivities included a $1-a-plate pit barbecue, special events, free rides in the 75 boats with electric motors, and a day-long music program. The highlight of the day was the fish plant of 2,500 pounds of trophy fish and 2,000 pounds of catchable trout. Special honor was given to Harry Frame, the first manager of the Poway Municipal Water District, because of his efforts to spearhead the development. It was reported that “there was hardly a piece of litter dropped” by the 5,000 people that turned out for the day!

Reports from the first year of operation were that the operations were a financial success. A 1978 news report said that nearly 47,000 fisherman per year were using the facility. The lake, which stores 3,800 acre feet of water, is 120’ deep and has 64 surface acres within the 2.5 mile shoreline. The complete ecological system within the lake is aided by an underwater aeration system that keeps both the temperature and oxygen content stable through summer and winter. Law requires that a portion of the lake has to be kept clear of humans; this is the reason for the log-boom south of the dam, which also protects the aeration system. To encourage spawning areas for fish and to provide hiding places, cement telephone wire conduits are at the bottom of the lake. Another news report called the lake the “Little Giant” because of the abundance of fish.

Currently there are trout stocks, approximately 1,500 pounds bi-weekly (November through May) and bi-weekly catfish stocks during summer months.

During spring and summer months, visitors can enjoy the Summer Concert Series, the Adventure Campout Series and the Family Campout Series. Additional activities include hiking, biking, picnicking, volleyball, softball, horsehoes, and archery.

.. I really can't tell.