Illipah Reservoir is ice covered. As of 12/28/23, ice measured 3 to 5 inches in the areas sampled in the reservoir.  The middle of the reservoir has the thickest ice while the south end has the thinnest. The ice throughout is poor quality and anglers should use caution while ice fishing.  Always be prepared with safety equipment like ice cleats, picks and a long rope. The water elevation has increased in the last two weeks, therefore anglers should not fish near the spillway until ice is thick enough to be safe. Fall stocking was completed with 9,862 rainbow trout averaging 9.4 inches.  Anglers should do well using nightcrawlers, PowerBait, as well as small jigs and spoons.