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DEC Encourages Anglers to Put Safety First When Ice Fishing
12/28/17 01:00pm
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    Press Release from NYS DEC:

    DEC Encourages Anglers to Put Safety First When Ice Fishing

    Minimum of Four Inches of Clear Ice Is Usually Safe for Anglers on Foot

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today
    encouraged anglers to put safety first when ice fishing. Four inches of solid ice
    is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can
    vary on waterbodies and even within the same waterbody. Anglers should be
    particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses
    where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup. The presence of
    snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of
    safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions
    and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Testing the
    thickness of ice can easily be done with an auger or ice spud at various spots.

    "Ice fishing is a popular sport in New York State and with the post-Christmas
    drop in temperature, I am sure anglers are looking forward to an early start to
    the season this year," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The rush to get
    out onto the ice can lead to tragedy unless anglers remain vigilant to the
    condition of the ice. Anglers should heed DEC's recommendation of at least
    four inches of solid clear ice before venturing out on the ice."

    Ice fishing continues to increase in popularity in New York State. Unlike the
    open water season, when an angler usually needs a boat to access good
    fishing locations, no boat is required to access these locations once a water is
    covered with safe ice. It's also a great sport for families, as they can mix in
    skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or other activities during an ice
    fishing trip to keep everyone interested and happy.

    As part of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative
    February 17-18, 2018, has been designated as a free fishing weekend. The
    requirement for a fishing license is waived during this period. This is a great
    opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to take
    friends ice fishing for the first time. Beginning ice anglers are encouraged to
    download the Ice Fishing Chapter (PDF, 3.7MB) of DEC's new I FISH NY
    Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing for information on how to get started
    ice fishing. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing,
    can found on the DEC ice fishing web page and the Public Lakes and Ponds
    map.

    The use of fish for bait is popular when ice fishing and bait fish may be used in
    most, but not all waters, open to ice fishing. Visit the DEC website for a list of
    special regulations by county to find out where bait fish can and cannot be
    used, and for other regulations that apply to baitfish on DEC's website.

    Anglers are reminded to take these important steps when using baitfish while
    ice fishing:
  • Follow the bait fish regulations to prevent the spread of harmful fish
    diseases and invasive species (please see: Special Regulations by
    County);

  • Use only certified disease-free bait fish purchased at a local tackle store,
    or use only personally collected bait fish for use in the same water body in
    which they were caught;

  • Do not reuse baitfish in another waterbody if you have replaced the water
    they were purchased in; and

  • Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.

    Anglers are reminded to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before
    heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of
    purchase.