DEC is encouragin New York’s new and experienced anglers to get outside and safely enjoy ice fishing during the winter months. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot As part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, the weekend of February 13-14, 2021, is a designated 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 (PDF) of DEC’s I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF, 16 MB) for information on how to get started ice fishing. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage and the Public Lakes and Ponds maps.