Ice comes off around the same time that access opens up —usually in early-to-mid April — although it may be earlier this year with the warmer spring weather. The reservoir was drawn very low during summer and fall 2025, and fish survival was likely impacted. Overwinter survival in Tropic Reservoir can be hit-and-miss with low water levels. Typically you'll have a chance to catch tiger and brown trout that survived the winter. Catchable-sized rainbow trout are usually stocked in mid-to-late April.