The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation encourages anglers to put safety first when ice fishing. Four inches of solid ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary on water bodies and even within the same waterbody.

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, according to a release from the DEC. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions.

Individuals 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.

Ice fishing continues to increase in popularity in New York State. Unlike the open-water season, when an angler usually needs a boat to access good fishing locations, no boat is required to access these locations once a lake is covered with safe ice. Families often mix in skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or other activities during an ice-fishing trip.

Feb. 17 and 18 has been designated as a free fishing weekend. The requirement for a fishing license is waived during this period. 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 DEC ice fishing web page and the Public Lakes and Ponds map.

The use of fish for bait is popular when ice fishing and bait fish may be used in most, but not all, waters that 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 at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/71546.html.

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

— Follow the baitfish regulations to prevent the spread of harmful 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 baitfish 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.

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.