DEC Urges Caution for Ice Fishers

THE CATSKILLS — As winter temperatures pave the way for exciting outdoor activities, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos issues a crucial reminder to ice anglers about the importance of safety amidst varying weather conditions.

“Winter in New York provides outdoor adventurers with some of the best opportunities to enjoy New York’s natural resources,” Commissioner Seggos said. “While 2023 was the warmest year on record, the start of the current winter season has been fairly mild; as temperatures drop, conditions are improving for activities like ice fishing. However, even as it gets colder, wintertime anglers need to exercise extreme caution and always put safety first when heading out onto the ice for fishing.”

One of the primary safety precautions highlighted by the NYSDEC is checking the thickness of the ice before venturing onto it. Anglers are advised that four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for those on foot. However, the thickness can vary between water bodies, and anglers should exercise caution, especially around areas of moving water, boat docks, and houses with bubblers to prevent ice formation.

Local bait and tackle shops are recommended as reliable sources to determine safe ice conditions and to stay informed about what anglers are catching. Commissioner Seggos encourages fishing with family and friends for an added layer of safety.

For those curious about trying ice fishing for the first time, the weekend of February 17-18 is a free freshwater fishing weekend. During this time, the need for a freshwater fishing license is waived, providing an excellent opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce newcomers to the sport.

The DEC offers resources such as the Ice Fishing Chapter in the I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing and a series of six instructional ice fishing videos on their YouTube channel to assist beginners. Additionally, the HuntFishNY app’s new Tackle Box feature provides convenient access to fishing regulations, waterbody information, and more through a smartphone map-based interface.

The use of baitfish is widespread in ice fishing, but anglers are reminded to follow DEC baitfish regulations and ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in the specific waterbody. Certified, disease-free bait fish purchased from local tackle stores are recommended, and personally collected bait fish should only be used in the same waterbody from which they were caught.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive species and fish diseases, anglers should dispose of unused baitfish and water on dry land in an appropriate location. The DEC emphasizes the significance of reviewing and following baitfish regulations on its website.

Lastly, anglers are reminded to have a valid fishing license, which is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. DEC encourages all anglers to stay informed, exercise caution, and prioritize safety during the winter ice fishing season. For those seeking more insights on ice safety, an interview with Forest Ranger Ashly Carabetta is available on the DEC website.