Jess Ranch Lakes has reopened in Apple Valley after a four-year closure. … The lake was closed for four years due to the new bird-borne fish disease Lactococcus garvieae that devastated fish throughout the entire state. The Ledfords were ordered to humanely put down and bury all existing fish by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The disease did not contaminate the water, Robert said, but it did take quite some time to rebound and raise enough healthy fish to reopen for business. Every new fish that the family raises in their hatchery is now vaccinated to protect against the bird disease.