Illipah Reservoir was created in 1953 when Illipah Creek was impounded for irrigation storage. In an agreement with the landowner that guaranteed a minimum pool, the Department of Wildlife paid for the construction of a new dam and the reservoir was enlarged in 1981. Although the reservoir is located almost entirely on private land, adjacent land is managed for recreation by BLM under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Wildlife. The public can access and fish the entire reservoir.
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- Region
- Eastern
- County
- White Pine
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
The reservoir lost ice since last week, but is still mostly covered in ice. The area north of the old dam is a mix of 4- to 7-inch-thick ice. The quality of ice in this area was deemed good and should provide with good fishing to anglers. The ice that was firm black ice two weeks ago is now soft and fair to poor quality. South of the old dam, the ice is poor quality and was not tested this week. The ice is pulling away from the western shoreline, limiting angler access.
A total of 5,715 rainbow trout, averaging 8.6 inches were stocked. Angler drop box surveys show rainbow trout in the 10-to-14 inch range being caught. A few brown trout have been contacted, normally between 6 and 10 inches, however, one angler recent caught a nice 18-inch brown trout. A total of 9,843 rainbow trout averaging 9.3 inches have been stocked this year. Anglers will do well on rainbow trout with nightcrawlers, PowerBait, and spinners.
Illipah Reservoir Angler Information Guide
01-30-2026
Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5715 | Rainbow Trout | 8.6 | 10-15-2025 | 9843 |
| 2508 | Rainbow Trout | 9.5 | 04-30-2025 | 4128 |
| 1620 | Rainbow Trout | 9.7 | 04-10-2025 | 1620 |
| 4515 | Rainbow Trout | 9.4 | 10-16-2024 | 13845 |
| 4500 | Rainbow Trout | 9.2 | 10-12-2024 | 9330 |
| 4830 | Rainbow Trout | 9.2 | 05-08-2024 | 4830 |
| 4462 | Rainbow Trout | 9.4 | 10-11-2023 | 16993 |
| 4500 | Rainbow Trout | 9.4 | 10-10-2023 | 12531 |
| 2511 | Rainbow Trout | 9.6 | 05-11-2023 | 8031 |
| 5520 | Rainbow Trout | 8.6 | 05-11-2023 | 5520 |
| 3034 | Rainbow Trout | 9.5 | 10-14-2022 | 16173 |
| 5206 | Rainbow Trout | 9.7 | 05-11-2022 | 13139 |
| 5453 | Rainbow Trout | 9.6 | 05-05-2022 | 7933 |
| 2480 | Rainbow Trout | 9.3 | 04-11-2022 | 2480 |
Pertinent Information
At capacity, Illipah Reservoir covers 70 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 50 feet. Rainbow trout and a self-sustaining population of brown trout reside in the reservoir. Good fishing can be found year around from shore and float tubes, but peak success occurs in spring and fall. Winter ice fishing (December through February) can also be good. Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs along with the usual selection of spinners and lures (Mepps, Panther Martins, and Dardevles) do well for trout. Fly-fishing with prince nymphs, wooly buggers, sheep creek specials, and pheasant tails on a sinking line is popular. The BLM maintains the campgrounds with picnic tables, fire pits, windscreens, restrooms, and trash barrels. An undeveloped boat launch exists.