Ice Fishing New York: The Ultimate Guide

Embracing the Chill: Ice Fishing in the Empire State

As temperatures drop, New York’s waterways become a hub for anglers clothed in winter gear, dragging sleds packed with equipment, and eager for a great day on the ice. The average December through March high and low temperatures in Pulaski, NY, in Central NY, just North of Oneida Lake and a few miles South of North and South Sandy Pond, drop and the ice thickens.

• December 34/19 degrees F
• January 28/10 degrees F
• February 32/13 degrees F
• March 38/20 degrees F

The season starts slow in December as the ice reaches a stable thickness and winds down in March with bright sunny afternoons that eat away at the ice. In the best parts of the season, the state’s lakes and rivers are dotted with prime fishing spots, each offering a unique experience.

Ice Fishing Equipment

Any successful ice fishing trip begins with the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to make the most of the season.

• Ice Auger: Selecting the right ice auger is crucial for optimizing your ice fishing experience. Manual augers, operated by hand, offer a traditional approach but require physical effort.

In contrast, powered augers, fueled by gasoline or electricity batteries, provide a more efficient drilling process. When making your choice, consider the thickness of the ice–powered augers are advantageous for thicker ice and multiple holes.

The size of holes matters too, especially if you target larger fish such as musky or northern pike. Factor in your physical capabilities; if manual labor is a concern, a powered auger can help to alleviate strain.

Choose between gas and battery-powered options based on your preferences for power, noise levels, and environmental impact. Finally, prioritize portability if you frequently change fishing locations, with battery-powered augers often striking a good balance between performance and ease of transport.

• Ice Fishing Rod: Selecting the appropriate ice fishing rod is crucial for optimizing your ice fishing setup. These rods, designed specifically for icy conditions, are shorter, typically ranging from 24 to 36 inches.

Their compact size is advantageous in confined spaces such as ice shelters, allowing for easier maneuverability. Material choice is significant. Fiberglass rods are recognized for their durability and resilience in extremely cold temperatures.

In contrast, graphite rods offer increased sensitivity, enabling anglers to better detect subtle fish bites. Tailor your rod choice based on the species you’re targeting. Ultra-light rods with lighter power are ideal for catching panfish, providing the finesse necessary for smaller fish.

Conversely, for larger species like walleye, northern pike, or trout, consider medium or heavy-action high-power rods that can handle the strength required for landing bigger fish. By considering these factors, you ensure that your ice fishing rod aligns with both your target species and the specific conditions on the ice.

• Reels: When it comes to ice fishing reels, beginners or infrequent anglers often find rod and reel combos to be a perfect and convenient choice. However, for those with more experience or who regularly engage in ice fishing, upgrading your equipment can significantly improve your overall fishing experience.

• Ice Fishing Line: Ice fishing lines are specialized for cold weather conditions, engineered to resist freezing and maintain optimal performance in low temperatures. These lines come in various strengths, catering to the diverse needs of ice anglers based on the size and species of fish they’re

Targeting.

Monofilament ice line, with 1 to 10-pound test strength, is stretchy and low visibility, ideal for clear water and line-wary fish like lake trout. It acts as a shock absorber during fish lunges.

Fluorocarbon ice line, denser and less stretchy than monofilament, sinks quickly and is nearly invisible, enhancing bite sensitivity. It is perfect for jigging walleye or crappie in clear water.

Braided ice line, with no stretch and high sensitivity, is strong and thin, making it excellent for detecting light bites and setting hooks quickly, especially for northern pike and musky.

Coated ice fishing lines have a water-repellent layer over monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided cores, preventing freezing and maintaining flexibility in extreme cold.

• Jigs: Ice fishing jigs play a crucial role in New York State, offering versatility to match various conditions and target different fish species. Horizontal jigs, such as the Shrimpo Jig, excel in enticing panfish like bluegill and perch. Their subtle horizontal movements mimic small prey, making them effective for luring in these species.

Vertical jigs, represented by the Rapala Jigging Rap, showcase an up-and-down action that attracts predators like walleye and aggressive perch. The dynamic movement of vertical jigs entices these species to strike, making them a popular choice for ice anglers seeking larger catches.

For all trout species, movement is crucial. Spoon jigs like the Kastmaster, with their wobbling action, effectively imitate wounded baitfish, attracting trout during ice fishing.

Dense tungsten jigs, such as the Lindy Tungsten Toad, are perfect for deep-water fishing due to their quick drop, making them ideal for targeting deep-dwelling species. The variety of jigs available ensures anglers in New York State can pursue a wide range of fish during ice fishing.

• Tip-Ups: Tip-ups are indispensable tools in the arsenal of ice anglers, offering a strategic approach to fishing multiple holes simultaneously. Positioned over your fishing hole, these devices use a flag system to signal when a fish strikes, providing an efficient way to manage multiple lines. Particularly effective for species like northern pike and walleye, tip-ups offer the advantage of allowing anglers more time to respond to slower and more subtle bites.

Innovations in tip-up technology have led to the development of thermal tip-ups, designed to prevent holes from freezing in frigid conditions. This ensures that your fishing operation remains functional even in extreme cold, adding to the convenience of using tip-ups.

Advanced tip-up models go a step further by integrating modern technology, allowing them to send bite alerts directly to your smartphone. This feature enhances the angler’s ability to monitor and respond to activity in real-time, even when away from the fishing hole.

• Bait Bucket: Ice fishing bait buckets are essential components for anglers seeking to keep live bait in optimal condition even in freezing temperatures. Specifically designed for the challenges of ice fishing, these bait buckets come equipped with features to ensure the well-being of live bait.

• Ice Fishing Shelters (AKA tents or shanties): Ice fishing shelters, often referred to as tents or shanties, play a pivotal role in enhancing the ice fishing experience by providing protection from the harsh winter elements. These shelters come in various designs, catering to different preferences and needs of anglers braving the cold conditions on the ice.

For those seeking extended comfort during prolonged ice fishing sessions, insulated shelters come into play. These shelters provide added warmth, allowing anglers to stay on the ice for longer periods without succumbing to the cold.

• Heater: In the frigid environment of ice fishing, where temperatures can drop significantly, portable heaters become a game-changer. When placed inside ice shelters, heaters contribute to creating a more comfortable and enjoyable space. They not only ward off the chill but also make it possible for anglers to extend their fishing sessions.

• Ice Cleats: The significance of ice cleats becomes apparent in the unpredictable and icy conditions that anglers frequently encounter. By offering better grip, these cleats help anglers navigate the frozen surfaces with confidence, minimizing the risk of accidents. The prevention of slipping is not only a matter of convenience but also a crucial safety measure, particularly in situations where the ice may be uneven or covered with snow.

• Ice Fishing Chair: Designed to be lightweight and portable, these chairs offer a convenient and ergonomic seating solution, allowing ice fishermen to focus on their pursuit with added comfort.

These chairs typically feature a compact and foldable design, making them easy to transport to and from the fishing spot. The portability is especially valuable for ice anglers who may need to move frequently in search of the best fishing locations.

Some ice fishing chairs come with added features such as gear pockets, providing convenient storage for essential items like tackle, bait, or personal belongings. This added functionality enhances the chair’s utility by providing a designated space to keep fishing essentials within arm’s reach.

• Flasher: A flasher is a sonar device essential for ice fishing, acting as a valuable tool to uncover the underwater world beneath the ice surface. This technology not only reveals the depth of the water but also provides a visual representation of your lure and any fish in the vicinity.

• Underwater Camera: An underwater camera is a crucial tool for ice fishing, offering a live view of the underwater world and enhancing the angler’s ability to locate and understand fish behavior. There are different types of underwater cameras to consider. Traditional underwater cameras are attached to a cable and provide real-time visuals of fish activity.

• GPS Unit:  A GPS unit is a valuable tool for ice anglers, aiding in the identification and marking of productive fishing locations or variations in the depth or structure. Particularly beneficial on expansive lakes where specific spots, think deep holes, may be challenging to find, a GPS unit allows anglers to navigate with precision and revisit successful locations. The device enables the creation of waypoints, marking key fishing spots for future reference.

• Safety Spikes: Safety spikes are essential tools for ice anglers, worn around the neck and serving as a crucial safety measure in the event of an accidental immersion into the icy water.

These devices are equipped with sharp spikes designed to provide traction on the ice, enabling anglers to grip the surface and pull themselves out efficiently. In situations where an ice fisherman falls through the ice, safety spikes become invaluable for self-rescue.

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

To ensure ice safety, use a spud bar or auger to measure thickness, aiming for at least 4 inches for individuals, 7-12 inches for small groups, and over 12 inches for larger groups, with clear ice being stronger than cloudy ice.

Fish in pairs to enhance safety and provide immediate help in emergencies. Inform someone of your plans, including your route, exact location, and alternate plans, ideally with GPS coordinates.

Carry specialized safety gear for frozen environments, stay updated on weather conditions, and regularly drill test holes to check ice thickness. Learn to interpret ice color, with clear blue ice being the strongest and white or opaque ice indicating potentially unstable conditions.

Ice Fishing How To’s – Jigging, Tip-Ups, Bait Selection

• Jigging Techniques: Mastering the art of jigging on ice demands a combination of precision, patience, and a keen understanding of the underwater environment.

Experimenting with various jigging motions is crucial to discovering what entices fish in your specific area. Initiate your jigging with gentle lifts and drops, creating a lifelike motion that mimics a wounded baitfish or an insect, enticing nearby fish.

• Tip-Up Know-How: understanding the nuances of tip-ups can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch. Tip-ups are ingenious devices featuring a spool submerged underwater, connected to a flag that springs up when a fish takes the bait. However, mastering the art of tip-up fishing requires attention to detail.

• Bait Selection: Live bait, with its natural movement and enticing scent, proves to be a game-changer in attracting fish beneath the ice.

For targeting walleye and northern pike, employing live minnows as bait is highly effective. The lifelike motion of minnows in the water appeals to these larger predator species, increasing your chances of a rewarding catch.

Ice Fishing Hot Spots in New York State

New York offers diverse ice fishing spots. Lake George is known for lake trout and pike near Diamond Point and Pilot Knob. Chautauqua Lake features walleye and muskie, with hot spots at Mayville Park and Prendergast Point. Saranac Lake is good for northern pike and walleye around Buck Island.

Oneida Lake offers walleye and perch, especially in Big Bay. Lake Ontario is popular for brown trout and steelhead, particularly near Henderson Harbor. Lake Erie is known for walleye and perch, especially off Sturgeon Point.