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"Kelsey Bass Ranch, the Ultimate Fly Rodding Experience".

NEW: BASS BLAST VOLUME 1 by Ken Hanley and Jay Murakoshi
available for purchase at the "First Stop Online Fly Shop"

NOTICE: FEE INCREASE EFFECTIVE January 1st, 2008
$100 per day

Anglers from all over California and beyond are learning about the excellent bass fishing at the Kelsey Bass Ranch.  Daily catches of 50 or more bass are not uncommon, with some reporting upwards to 100 fish in one day.  These hard fighting, tackle busting Florida bass are guaranteed to wear out even the most experienced anglers.  Please bring plenty of poppers, when the bass are looking up, fish in the 4 to 8 lbs. class are waiting to attack.    Kelsey Bass Ranch is a completely private, 120 acre lake with a group picnic area, large barbecue and a concrete launch ramp.

The Season

Kelsey Bass Ranch is open year around.  The lake is best fished by the fly fisherman during the pre-spawn period, early summer and again in the Fall.  Depending upon late winter storms, the fishing begins around mid-February and continues through November.  The top water action starts around mid-March when the water temperature reaches 60 degrees and will continue through early summer and start again in the Fall.  

Kelsey Guide Service

Clinic/Guide/Instructional services available for groups and Fly Fishing Clubs.  Realizing that most anglers are not familiar with fly fishing for bass, this service was added and is intended to help all levels of anglers.  On pre-arranged days, Bud Heintz, local warm water specialist and featured fly tier at the International Sportsman's Shows, will offer clinical instruction.  His clinic will include: an orientation to warm water species, fly rod set-up, top water and sub-surface flies, fly rodding tips and on the water instruction.  A nominal fee will be charged, please email or call regarding rates and available dates. 

Daily Access and Rates

The daily access fee is $100 per angler.  Special arrangements can be made for a group of anglers or a Fly Fishing Club wanting to have the lake "Closed" for their special event.

Please Remember, Kelsey Bass Ranch is strictly a catch and release lake. 

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How to book your opportunity to fish Kelsey Ranch

Check the calendar to confirm the dates you are interested in are open.  

Payment Method

Please print the mail/fax order form and follow the printed instructions. To complete a booking, your form and payment must be included, a phone call won't work!

Upon receipt of payment

Your date will be confirmed, a map and pass will be mailed, faxed or e-mailed as you request. A FIVE DAY NOTICE to confirm bookings. You must be paid in full before a pass is issued to the property.

Please read the rules and regulations included with your pass before entering the ranch property.

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History

"Kelsey Lake is a 120 acre impoundment stocked with trophy size Florida Bass.   It is located on the beautiful 7,000 acre Kelsey Ranch about 25 miles east of Turlock, near Snelling. This ranch has been in the Kelsey family since 1852. The lake is over 60 years old, built to supply irrigation water for the various farming activities on this working cattle ranch.

Over a decade ago, the lake was drained and refilled. Then, for the next three years, the Kelsey family stocked 4,000 Florida bass for a total of 12,000. Along with the hard fighting Florida Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, and Catfish were planted in the lake.  Recently large rainbow trout and red eared sunfish were added to the lake, offering the angler other choices.

Today the lake is filled with a large number of healthy Bass. You'll find yourself leaving weary of the rod bending action.  The action is nothing short of amazing.  The lake record black bass is 14lb. 4oz.

Additional Information:

For those of you that want to spend more time in the area, camping is available at Lake McSwain.  The lake is located only four miles from the entrance to Kelsey Ranch.   Call 1-800-468-8889 for information. Also, there is a RV campground opening this spring (2001) in Snelling, next to the Dredger Inn, they will carry fuel as well. 

If you are looking for overnight lodging, it's best to back to Highway 99, there are two motels about 3 miles north of the Keyes Road exit; Howard Johnson (209) 537-4821 or Microtel Inn (209) 538-6466.

For meals, There is no restaurant in Snelling serving breakfast.  The Dredger Inn is closed at this time.

Gasoline is now available in Snelling.  Boland's Market and a new gas station in Snelling now carries gasoline and diesel.

   Click on the camera to see more photos from past trips.

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All text and photos, unless otherwise indicated, © Excellent Adventures 2005.

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