\t\t\t\tA crisp winter\u2019s day on Simon Pond for the Northern Challenge ice fishing dervy in Tupper Lake in February 2025. Seward, center, and Donaldson, right, mountains are seen in the background. The 2026 Northern Challenge will be held on Feb. 7. (News photo \u2014 Chris Gaige)<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tChad Roberts of Manchester, Vermont, poses with his catch shortly before handing it off to the weigh station \u2014 where it was measured and then released back into Simon Pond \u2014 during the Northern Challenge ice fishing derby in February 2025. The 2026 Northern Challenge will be held on Feb. 7. (News photo \u2014 Chris Gaige)<\/p>\n \t\t\t Chad Roberts of Manchester, Vermont, poses with his catch shortly before handing it off to the weigh station \u2014 where it was measured and then released back into Simon Pond \u2014 during the Northern Challenge ice fishing derby in February 2025. The 2026 Northern Challenge will be held on Feb. 7. (News photo \u2014 Chris Gaige)<\/p>\n ALBANY \u2014 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently reminded ice anglers to put safety first when venturing out this season. Outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of essential safety guidelines and ensure ice is thick enough before heading out. <\/p>\n \t\u201cIce fishing is a great way to get outdoors, connect with nature, and make the most of the abundant winter fishing opportunities here in New York state,\u201d Lefton said. \u201cAs with any activity, practicing safety is key, especially when it comes to recreating on ice. With an earlier than usual start to ice fishing season, I urge anglers to practice extreme caution, especially when ice is only just forming.\u201d <\/p>\n \tBefore 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 conditions can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure adequate ice thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas with 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 \u201cspud bar\u201d (a long, metal tool with a chisel on one end) at various spots. Local bait and tackle shops are great resources for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. Fishing with a group is also encouraged for added safety. <\/p>\n \tThose interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of Feb. 14-15 on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the freshwater fishing license requirement is waived during these days. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing. <\/p>\n \tFor some fish species, ice fishing can be more productive than open-water fishing. Given good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access an entire waterbody. Beginner ice anglers can download a PDF of the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC\u2019s: FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing at tinyurl.com\/w7u4z9pf<\/a> for helpful information on how to get started. <\/p>\n A crisp winter\u2019s day on Simon Pond for the Northern Challenge ice fishing dervy in Tupper Lake in February 2025. Seward, center, and Donaldson, right, mountains are seen in the background. The 2026 Northern Challenge will be held on Feb. 7. (News photo \u2014 Chris Gaige)<\/p>\n \tFor a more interactive option, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency\u2019s YouTube channel. Visit the playlist to check out the brief instructional videos. <\/p>\n
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