DEC Reminds Anglers to Put Safety First When Ice Fishing

DEC Reminds Anglers to Put Safety First When Ice Fishing
01/17/19 04:00pm

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Press Release from NYS DEC:

DEC Reminds Anglers to Put Safety First When Ice Fishing

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

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded anglers to be cautious when ice

fishing.

"This past week's cold spell has improved conditions for ice fishing across New

York State," Commissioner Seggos said. "Still, anglers should keep safety in

mind and test the ice before venturing out to enjoy some hard-water fishing."

Four inches of solid ice is usually safe for anglers on foot. However, ice

thickness can vary on waterbodies and even on 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 is not 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 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, boats are not required to access these same locations once a

waterbody 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

ice fishing trips to keep everyone interested and happy.

As part of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, Feb.

16-17, has been designated as a free fishing weekend. The requirement for a

fishing license is waived during this period. This free fishing weekend is a great

opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to take

their friends ice fishing. Beginning ice anglers are encouraged to download the

new

(PDF). Additional valuable information,

including where to fish recommendations, can be found on the DEC

web page and the

(PDF) of the DEC's

The use of fish for bait is popular when ice fishing and bait fish may be used in

most but not all waters that are open to ice fishing.

Anglers should take these important steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:

Review and follow the DEC baitfish regulations;
Make sure that the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by
checking the special regulations by county section of the Freshwater
Fishing Regulations Guide;
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 the water the baitfish were
purchased in has been replaced; and
Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.

DEC reminds anglers to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before

heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the

date of purchase.