Ice-Fishing Season: Fun for the Whole Family In The Hudson Valley

The frigid weather in the Hudson Valley — two weeks during which temperatures have risen above freezing — does make conditions perfect for one outdoor sport earlier than usual. The ice fishing season starts when there's four inches of solid ice for anglers making forays onto lakes and certain reservoirs.

"Ice fishing is a popular sport in New York State and with the post-Christmas drop in temperature, I am sure anglers are looking forward to an early start to the season this year," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.

Ice fishing continues to increase in popularity in New York State, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. It’s also a great sport for families, as they can mix in skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or other activities during an ice fishing trip to keep everyone interested and happy.

Anglers are reminded 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. There's one exception in 2018: Feb. 17-18 has been designated as a free fishing weekend.

The requirement for a fishing license is waived during that weekend. That makes it a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to take friends ice fishing for the first time.

Safety tips:

• DEC recommends at least four inches of solid clear ice before venturing out on the ice.
• Ice thickness can vary even within the same waterbody. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions.
• People are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Testing the thickness of ice can easily be done with an auger or ice spud at various spots.
• Anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup.

Beginning ice anglers are encouraged to download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC’s new 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 found on the DECice fishing web page and the Public Lakes and Ponds map.

The New York City reservoirs open to ice fishing are: Amawalk, Bog Brook, Cross River, Diverting, Middle Branch, Muscoot, Croton Falls, Lake Gilead, Lake Gleneida, Boyd Corners, East Branch, Titicus and West Branch.

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. Visit the DEC website for a list of special regulations by county to find out where bait fish can and cannot be used, and for other regulations that apply to baitfish.

Anglers are reminded to take these important steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:

• Follow the bait fish regulations to prevent the spread of lethal fish diseases and invasive species (please see: Special Regulations by County);
• 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 water body in which they were caught;
• Do not reuse baitfish in another waterbody if you have replaced the water they were purchased in; and
• Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.

• Not dressing properly. Due to the risk of hypothermia, keeping your head, hands, and feet warm and dry is essential.
• Not packing adequate equipment. Death from drowning can occur if you're not wearing a life jacket. Packing the right equipment, such as picks and rope can help you beat the odds.
• Excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can slow your reflexes and reaction time, which can be risky in the event of an emergency. Excessive drinking also increases your chances of getting hypothermia, because alcohol constricts blood vessels and lowers body temperature.
• Falling through thin ice. Ice doesn't freeze evenly on the surface of a lake or river, and thin patches can't always be detected by sight alone. Ice strength is affected by current, wind, and other factors. Thin ice will not sustain the weight of a human, let alone a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or truck.

PHOTO/ NYDEC