By: Tom Fracasso
The reopening of Jess Ranch Lakes has sent a shockwave of excitement throughout the High Desert and abroad; this hidden gem is located in a beautiful setting in Apple Valley. If you enjoy great fishing, nature walks, bird watching, float tubing, or just a peaceful picnic, your desires will be fulfilled on this well-maintained property. This writer was present for the reopening on February 1. and had the pleasure of meeting the General Manager Robert Ledford, who has assembled a hardworking and passionate team that has worked tirelessly to make the reopening a reality.
The park was filled with anglers with no problem filling their stringers with trout, including some talented anglers who caught their five-fish limit by Noon! Jess Ranch Lakes has a hatchery on site and stocks trout called Ruby Reds and the Ruby Red Golden that resembles the popular Lightning trout, these trout are well known for their Pink flesh, firm texture, and a taste that is similar to Salmon. Other fish species include largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and carp, there is one lake dedicated to float tubing only adding to the diversity of activities. Other amenities include a food truck on site, the sale of light tackle, a staff that is more than willing to assist you, and well-placed restrooms for your convenience.
Jess Ranch Lakes is open on weekends from 7:00 am until 4:00 pm. Adult fishing passes for 13 year olds and older are $30.00 with a five-fish limit combination of trout, catfish, and bluegill, and you can use 2 poles maximum; a child fishing pass for 12 years old and younger is $ 15.00 with a three-fish limit combination of trout, catfish, and bluegill with a 1 pole maximum. Float tube passes are $50.00 for a full day and $30.00 for a half day. General admission for adults 13 years old and older is $5.00, Children 12 years and younger are Free when accompanied by a paid adult, seniors 62+ get $3.00 off and all active Military and First Responders get $5.00 off with proof of proper I.D. I urge you to pick up an information flyer at the entry gate; there are many rules that have been put in place to maintain the beauty, integrity, and serenity of the fragile Ecosystems of all Three lakes.
Stockings will take place on Fridays, giving the fish time to adapt to their new surroundings before the weekend openings. All largemouth bass must be released, and there is no limit on carp. The 2 pole rule is awesome, many anglers fish one pole with bait A.K.A. “dead stick” and use the other pole to cast and retrieve their favorite lures and jigs, top baits include a variety of colors and scents of power bait, multi-colored spoons, kastmasters, mice tails, and Carolina rigged salt and pepper crappie jigs.
May all of your big fish dreams come true at Jess Ranch Lakes!
