High-desert fishery reopened after multi-year closure
APPLE VALLEY – Jess Ranch reopened to fishing on February 1 following a four-year shut down, and trout anglers were stoked to return to outstanding fishing.
Not only was the bite “limit style” right out of the gates, but almost every report picked up by Western Outdoor News suggested the minijig bite is overwhelmingly outperforming bait dunkers. That’s typically the case when it comes to recently-stocked fish, so that is expected to balance out here in the weeks that follow.
Along with classic tube-style minijigs, anglers doing well with artificials were also throwing plastic worms on small leadheads and microspoons which have become all the rage over the last couple years in trout fisheries all over Southern California.
Fishing passes for anglers over 13 years of age is $30 ($15 for those younger). There is a 5-fish limit for adults (any combo of trout, catfish and bluegill) and a two-rod maximum. Kids have a one rod max and can only keep three fish. The lakes are only open to fishing on Saturday and Sunday.
