Anglers looking to hit the ice this winter should be careful, the head of the state Department of Environmental Conservation said, especially in light of the recent weather.
“New York State has experienced a wide variety of temperatures and weather conditions, from freezing to quite mild,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Given these unpredictable fluctuations in weather, it is critical that winter recreationists exercise extreme caution when doing anything on the ice, including fishing, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Ice anglers should check the thickness of the ice before leaving shore. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing the ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between bodies of water and even within the same body of water, increasing the need to guarantee thickness. Anglers should be especially cautious in areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubbles may be installed to reduce ice formation. Check the ice with an auger or spud rod at several points. In addition, it is also recommended to fish with a family member or friend for safety. Local bait and tackle shops can help the angler find safe ice and what others are catching.
A free freshwater fishing weekend is set for Feb. 18-19, and no license will be required to give new anglers a chance to try ice fishing without purchasing one.
Beginning ice anglers can download the ice fishing chapter of DEC’s I FISH NY Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing for helpful information on getting started. For a more interactive option, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency’s YouTube channel late last season. Visit the playlist for short instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on DEC’s ice fishing websites and also through the new Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app. Fishing regulations, access information, species of fish present and more can be accessed from a map-based interface, all from the convenience of a smartphone.
Ice fishing spots in the area include:
- Allen Lake, City of Allen: 15 acres with Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout. Winter plowed DEC access/launch site (off West Hill Rd.). Stocked with one-year-old and 2-year-old trout in the spring. Surplus hatchery-bred trout in fall most years.
- Alma Pond, Town of Alma: 86 acres with Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Brownhead Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike. DEC access/hand launch site plowed in winter.
- Cuba Lake: 445 acres with Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead. Ice fishing access at the south end of the dam on South Shore Road.
- Rushford Lake: 585 acres with Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Brown Bullhead, Rainbow Trout. Ice fishing access on the north side of Caneadea Dam from the picnic area at the end of Lake Road.
- Case Lake, Franklinville: 71 acres with Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Greatmouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. Access to DIC/hand launch site snow plowed in winter and lake stocked with 1 year old and 2 year old trout in spring. Surplus hatchery-bred trout in fall most years.
- Harwood Lake, Farmersville: 34 acres with Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. DEC access/hand launch site snow plowed in winter. Stocked with one-year-old and 2-year-old trout in the spring. Surplus hatchery-bred trout in fall most years.
- Lime Lake, Machias: 159 acres with Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Brown Bullhead. DEC access/hand launch site off Route 16.
- New Albion Lake: 45 acres with Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, White Crappie, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout. DEC access/hand launch site snow plowed in winter. Stocked with one-year-old and 2-year-old trout in the spring. Surplus hatchery-bred trout in fall most years.
- Quaker Lake, Town of Cold Spring – 268 acres in Allegany State Park with Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. Stocked with one-year-old and 2-year-old trout in the spring. Surplus hatchery-bred trout in fall most years.
- Red House Lake, Town of Red House – 110 acres in Allegany State Park with Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout. Stocked with one-year-old trout in the spring. Surplus hatchery-bred trout in fall most years.
For more information, including all regulations, special rules for ice fishing sites, lake maps and other information, visit www.dec.ny.gov.