The lake ice free.  Illipah continues to recover in water capacity after last year’s irrigation season. The reservoir is at approximately 60% of capacity. Anglers will do well with a variety of night crawlers, PowerBait, and spinners. Where possible, try casting onto the ice as it recedes and letting the bait or lure fall off the edge before reeling in. Trout like the security of the ice overhead and will watch the open water for food.  For bait anglers nightcrawlers and rainbow PowerBait are the best bet. Small spinners, spoons and Kastmasters in gold for those throwing hardware should work.  For fly rodders, this time of year chironomid patterns are recommended as they can make up as much as 80% of the trout’s diet in the spring in our high desert reservoirs.  Black or olive wooly buggers and black, olive or wine-colored leech patterns may also entice trout.