Illipah Reservoir - Ely, NV

Spot Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Illipah Reservoir, situated near Ely, Nevada, constitutes a productive coolwater fishery within White Pine County. This 70-acre impoundment, created by the damming of Illipah Creek, sustains robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and a self-sustaining population of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta). Its maximum depth of 50 feet and clear waters provide optimal habitat for salmonid species. Angling methodologies are comprehensive and efficacious for both species. Conventional bait presentations utilizing PowerBait or natural baits, and spin casting with diminutive to medium-sized artificial lures (spinners, spoons), are highly productive from shore or electric-motor equipped boats. Fly fishing is extensively employed, with nymphing (e.g., midge, mayfly, scud imitations) beneath an indicator, and slow retrieval of streamer patterns (e.g., Woolly Buggers), proving consistently effective. Optimal fishing periods are perennially available, with peaks in spring and autumn correlating with favorable thermal regimes. Mid-winter ice fishing (December-February) is also consistently productive. Access is good, featuring designated campsites and amenities within the recreation area. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) regulations concerning specific bag limits and any area-specific provisions, crucial for the sustained management of this valued Eastern Nevada fishery.




Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSource# of Fish
4-30-2025Rainbow TroutNDOW2508
4-11-2025Rainbow TroutNDOW1620
10-12-2024Rainbow TroutNDOW4500
5-08-2024Rainbow TroutNDOW4830
5-11-2023Rainbow TroutNDOW2511


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-12-2025 Recent angler contacts revealed rainbow trout in the 9-to-12 inch range being caught
Water temperature is measuring 62F. Recent angler contacts... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
5-1-2025 Catch rates are good with anglers catching several trout per hour
Anglers are reeling in rainbow trout in the... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
3-19-2025 Catch rates are good with anglers catching several trout per hour
Illipah Reservoir is 100% open water and at... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
2-27-2025 The only remaining ice is on the south end near the creek inlet
Illipah Reservoir has 85% open water.  The only... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
2-6-2025 Illipah Reservoir is sitting at approximately 40 percent ice covered
Illipah Reservoir is sitting at approximately 40% ice... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife

Detailed Map