The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is encouraging New York’s new and experienced anglers to get outside and safely enjoy ice fishing during the winter months.

“From small local ponds to large lakes and reservoirs, New York has a tremendous array of ice fishing opportunities for anglers to experience close to home,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Many fish species are active throughout the winter months and the fishing can be just as good as during the open water season. As always, before venturing onto the ice, DEC asks all anglers to make sure the ice is thick enough to fish safely.”

Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. Ice thickness can vary on waterbodies and even within the same waterbody. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Testing the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. Fishing with a family member or a friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great resource for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching.

As part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, the weekend of Feb. 13-14, is a designated 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 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 be found on the DEC ice fishing web page and the Public Lakes and Ponds maps.

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.

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 checkingthe 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 waterbody 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 valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Ultimately, ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months while practicing social distancing. Unlike some other styles of fishing, ice fishing is unique because groups can spread out and fish safely together. DEC is reminding anglers to be SMART when fishing this year:

• Socially distance at least six feet apart;

• Mask - Wear one when you cannot maintain social distancing, especially in parking lots and along footpaths;

• Avoid sharing gear when possible;

• Respect your fellow anglers and the resource by providing space and practicing ethical angling; and

• Take out what you bring in or place trash in receptacles.