Don’t fall in

Safe ice fishing encouraged

Posted 1/18/22

REGION — It’s possible that, by the time this sees print, there will be ice on the regional bodies of water.

One never knows. Should there be ice, and should one wish to go ice …

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Don’t fall in

Safe ice fishing encouraged

Posted

REGION — It’s possible that, by the time this sees print, there will be ice on the regional bodies of water.

One never knows. Should there be ice, and should one wish to go ice fishing on the ice, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering safety tips.

“With proper preparedness and safe ice, anyone can enjoy the state’s abundant ice fishing opportunities,” said commissioner Basil Seggos.

Some fish actually enjoy the cold, including perch, sunfish, lake trout and northern pike.

First, ice fishers will need a valid fishing license.

Next, safety is paramount. Be sure the ice is thick enough to walk on before venturing out. The DEC recommends four inches of solid, clear ice, and reminds anglers that thickness can vary, even within the same body of water.

Be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses—some people install bubblers to reduce ice formation.

Ice can be tested with an auger or spud bar and various spots on the ice should be checked.

Fish with a family member or friend.

In addition, the DEC adds, local bait and tackle shops are excellent resources for learning where ice is safe and what can be caught.

The weekend of February 19-20 is designated as a free fishing weekend and no fishing license is required.

Information for the new ice fisher is available in the DEC’s “I FISH NY Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing.”

Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on DEC’s ice fishing webpage, https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html.

Department of Environmental Conservation, Basil Seggos, ice fishing, safety, free fishing weekend

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