The recent spike in temperatures is causing a lot of ice to melt, which can be dangerous for ice fishers.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging anglers to put their safety first while ice fishing. When fishing on the ice on foot, make sure there is a minimum of four inches of clear ice.
The DEC asks that ice anglers use caution and common sense as the ice fishing season begins across the state and reminds anglers that ice thickness can vary on between bodies of water, and even on the same body of water.
"Safety is the first thing to consider when taking part in the sport, and we remind people to use good judgment when venturing onto the ice," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Ice fishing is great for families looking to try something new, and parents can mix in skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or other activites during ice fishing trips to keep everyone interested and happy."
Be particularly careful around moving water, and boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to keep ice from building up.
If there are footprints or snowmobile tracks on the ice, this may be a sign of safe ice conditions.
Testing the thickness of the ice can be done easily with an auger or ice spud at various spots.
