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DEC Encourages Anglers to Stay Vigilant
This Ice Fishing Season
Published: December 21, 2025
at 12:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Encourages Anglers to Stay Vigilant
This Ice Fishing Season
Review Ice Safety
Guidelines Before Heading Out
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton
reminds ice anglers to put safety first when venturing out this season.
Outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of
essential safety guidelines and ensure ice is thick enough before heading
out.
“Ice fishing is a
great way to get outdoors, connect with nature, and make the most of the
abundant winter fishing opportunities here in New York State,” said
Commissioner Lefton. “As with any activity, practicing safety is key,
especially when it comes to recreating on ice. With an earlier than usual
start to ice fishing season, I urge anglers to practice extreme caution,
especially when ice is only just forming.”
Before leaving
shore, ice anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear
ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice
conditions can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody,
increasing the need to ensure adequate ice thickness. Anglers should be
particularly cautious of areas with moving water and around boat docks and
houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming.
Checking the ice
can easily be done with an auger or “spud bar” (a long, metal tool with a
chisel on one end) at various spots. Local bait and tackle shops are great
resources for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are
catching. Fishing with a group is also encouraged for added safety.
Those interested
in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of
February 14–15, 2025, on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the freshwater fishing
license requirement is waived during these days. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for
experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.
For some fish
species, ice fishing can be more productive than open-water fishing. Given
good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access
an entire waterbody. Beginner ice anglers can download the Ice Fishing Chapter (PDF) of DEC's I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF)
for helpful information on how to get started.
For a more
interactive option, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the
agency's YouTube channel. Visit the playlist to check out the brief
instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters
open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box
feature in DEC's HuntFishNY app. With the app, fishing
regulations, access information, fish species present, and more can be
accessed from a map-based interface, all from the convenience of a smart
phone.
The use of bait
fish is popular when ice fishing and may be used in most, but not all,
waters open to ice fishing. For more information on baitfish regulations visit DEC's
website. To protect New York State's waters from invasive species and the
spread of fish diseases, anglers are advised to take these critical steps
when using baitfish while ice fishing:
- Review and follow DEC baitfish regulations;
- Ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in
the waterbody by checking the special baitfish regulations by county section of
the fishing regulations guide or by contacting your regional fisheries
office;
- Use only certified, disease-free bait fish
purchased from a local tackle store. (Buyers must retain the receipt
provided to them while in possession of the baitfish);
- Personally collected bait fish may only be
used in the same waterbody from which they were caught; 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 valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
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