Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Ice Angler Etiquette

The reward of braving the cold while ice fishing is taking home a "mess" of yellow perch! Caught through the ice, they make for fine table fare. Once fileted, you can bread them like a veal cutlet or bake or broil them to your liking. These were caught primarily on a one inch Swedish Pimple adorned with a fresh minnow head, with a few taking live minnows (smalls), dangled six inches off the bottom using a tip-ups.

Depending on the weather, this time of year can see the peak in ice fishing activity in New York. With so many ice anglers out on lakes and ponds, its important to be respectful of your fellow fishermen. 

DEC recently put together a brief guideline to remind ice fishermen to respect water bodies and our natural resources as well as fellow ice anglers:  

Ice Angler Etiquette 101

To minimize your impacts on others and ensure an enjoyable day on the ice, keep the following tips in mind.

• Pack it in, pack it out. Leaving garbage on the ice is unsightly and irresponsible. That also goes for fish carcasses and unused bait.

• Avoid bringing glass.

• Only leave the fish you intend on keeping on the ice. Release unwanted fish back in the water.  

• Spread out and give anglers space. Besides, a crowd of anglers in one spot doesn’t always mean the fishing’s good there. If you still want to fish that area, set up on the edges of the group, but don’t be afraid to venture out (safely, obviously).

• Be courteous. Fishing a spot one day doesn’t give you dibs the following day. It doesn’t hurt to ask if they mind if you set up 50 yards to their side.

• Park smart. As snowbanks grow over the season, parking options in a lot can get limited. If the lot is full, move to another access site.

• If you’re traveling via snowmobile watch for angler’s tip ups.

• Don't yell “FLAG” if there isn't one. 

• Set up outside of established/visible travel routes.

• Be kind. Talk with people, share stories, maybe even some of that venison chili you brought with you.

DECs recommendations are based on common sense and common courtesy. Having a good time is easy, especially when everyone respects each other and gives their fellow fishermen space

Don’t Forget Safety

 Even though we are well into the winter season and have experienced extended periods of below freezing temperatures, it is still imperative anyone who goes onto the frozen waters of the state to remain vigilant by checking actual ice thickness and quality before leaving the shoreline. According to DEC, four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. 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. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. In addition, fishing with a family member or friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great source for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. Remember, footprints and vehicle tracks on the ice are no guarantee the ice is safe. Use your best judgement. Discretion is always the better part of valor. That being said, it’s a great time to get out onto the ice and bring home some outstanding fresh fish for a wonderful dinner.

Happy hunting, fishing and trapping until next time!

News and Notes

Children’s Ice Fishing Derby February 23rd at Tannersville Lake

The Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club in conjunction with the Stony Clove Rod and Gun Club is hosting their Annual Children’s Ice Fishing Derby at Rip Van Winkle/Tannersville Lake on Sunday, February 23rd. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Kids up to 16 years of age can compete in two divisions for prizes. Live bait, refreshments, and a few tips ups will be available. For more information, call Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Save the Date for the Ducks Unlimited Greene County Chapter Banquet on March 8th  

The Greene County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual banquet, dinner and auction on Saturday, March 8th at Anthony’s Banquet Hall located at 746 County Route 23B in Leeds. Doors open at 3:30 pm with buffet dinner starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a live auction. Tickets are available online at www.ducks.org/newyork/events. For more information you can call Dana Hanusik at 518-821-1773 or Jeff Holiday at 965-6105. 

Remember to report poaching violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at: 

1-844-DEC-ECOS.