Want to catch some big trout through the ice? Thanks to veteran Greene County Fish Chairman, Walt Bennett, ECOs Lucas Palmateer and Jason Smith, with support from DEC’s hatchery in Livingston Manor and Region 4 Fisheries, two Greene County waterways were stocked with 400 big breeder trout. The big trout, some measuring over 20 inches, were placed in Greens Lake and the lake at CD Lane Park back in October. Walt said the trout were so big, they couldn’t be stocked the traditional way using buckets. He and the ECOs had to use boats, tanks, and nets to get the lunker trout to where they needed to be. Both bodies of water are open to fishing for trout through the ice, as is Colgate Lake which did not get the big breeders this year.
Once local waters start to freeze, and before considering venturing out onto any frozen waters of the state, DEC encourages anglers to safely enjoy ice fishing this season by reviewing ice safety guidelines.
“With the onset of winter and colder temperatures, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today reminded ice anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of essential safety guidelines and make sure ice is thick enough before heading out.”
The commissioner encourages those recreating on ice to routinely check the thickness and quality of ice when traversing upon any frozen waters throughout the state.
“Before leaving shore, ice anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. 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” (a long, metal tool with a chisel on one end) at various spots. Local bait and tackle shops are a great resource for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. In addition, fishing with family and friends is also encouraged for safety.”
An interview about ice safety with Forest Ranger Ashly Carabetta is available for download (video, 743 MB).
If you’re new to the sport, a good time to give it a try, (ice conditions permitting), is the weekend of February 15th and 16th 2025. It’s a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, so the freshwater fishing license requirement is waived during those dates. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.
Fisheries biologists and veteran ice fishermen alike say for some fish species, ice fishing can be more productive than pursuing them during open-water conditions.
“Given good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access an entire waterbody. Beginner ice anglers can download the Ice Fishing Chapter (PDF) of DEC's I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF) for helpful information on how to get started.
For more interactive options, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency's YouTube channel. Visit the playlist to check out the brief instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box feature in DEC's HuntFishNY app.
The use of bait fish, like minnows, is a productive technique and very popular when ice fishing, especially when using tip-ups. You can also use popular jigs, like Swedish Pimples and many other time-tested lures, which work even better with a “mousie,” “spike” or minnow head. Definitely check with your local bait shop for the best baits to use in your area.
Baitfish may be used in most, but not all, waters open to ice fishing. For more information on baitfish regulations, visit DEC's website.
To protect New York's waters from invasive species and the spread of fish diseases, anglers are advised to take these critical steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:
Review and follow DEC baitfish regulations;
Ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by checking the special 'regulations by county' section of the fishing regulations guide;
Use only certified, disease-free bait fish purchased from a local tackle store (buyers must retain the receipt provided to them while in possession of the baitfish);
Personally collected bait fish may only be used in the same waterbody from which they were caught; and
Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.
DEC reminds anglers 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.
While temperatures are starting to trend lower, good, safe ice takes time to form and discretion is certainly the better part of valor when considering venturing onto ice-covered lakes and ponds. Remember the 4-inch-clear-ice rule and all the exceptions regarding moving water and thinner conditions by bubblers and structures as recommended by DEC. Checking with local bait shops is a great way to learn of local ice conditions while getting some tips on where to go and what to use to make the most of your outing on the ice.
And don’t forget to try and haul in a few big breeder trout from Greens Lake and at CD Lane Park this year!
Merry Christmas, and happy, hunting, trapping, and fishing until next time!
News and Notes
“Nature Calls” Podcast Adds Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping to the Conversation
“Nature Calls Podcasts: Conversations from the Hudson Valley,” is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. It covers all aspects of gardening, ecology, and nature. Kudos go to Master Gardiner, Jean Thomas, who identified the need to include the topics of hunting, trapping, and fishing, in their “on-air” conversations about popular outdoor, natural pursuits. Jean invited me to join them to answer a few questions and share some experiences, explaining how hunters and trappers in particular enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with gardeners, home owners, farmers, and environmentalists. Problem is, they also share mutual misconceptions. Sportsmen and women keep wildlife from overpopulating the Hudson Valley and elsewhere, and both camps have vested interests in the conservation of our natural resources. If you’d like to listen to the conversation, go to:
https://ccecolumbiagreene.org/gardening/nature-calls-conversations-from-the-hudson-valley/episode-147-hunting-and-fishing
Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS
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