February 27 to March 6, 2026
Ice Fishing Safety
Safety is essential during ice fishing season and anglers should make sure ice is thick enough before venturing out. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers on foot. Five inches is better for groups fishing together. Tapping with a spud bar to check ice thickness is recommended on your way out, or when moving around. Safety ice picks, boot cleats, throw rope, and flotation devices are recommended safety supplies. Use good judgement and fish with a friend if possible. Avoid any areas near open water, dock bubblers, stream inlets and outlets. See the I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Ice Fishing (PDF) and Learn to Ice Fish for safety, how-to, and recommended sites to fish.
Salmon River
As of February 25, the river is at 7,500 cubic feet per second (CFS) and the dam release is 300 CFS. Angler density throughout the river is low while there are still fish in the river. Steelhead are now the main species in the river with a few brown trout being caught. Try using eggs, beads, pink worms, or fly’s in the river.
Oswego River
The river is at 4,340 cubic feet per second (CFS) as of February 18. Brown trout are the main fish species being caught, primarily below the dam and a few along the wall. Try using spoons, beads under a float, pink worms, and egg sacs. A few Atlantic salmon have been caught as well. Ice is beginning to form down by the hotel.
Important Note: Leto Island cannot be used to access the dam. The dam can be accessed from the West side (Brookfield side).
Remember there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. For more information on PFD zones and life jacket loaner programs, visit the Oswego County Tourism website.
Skaneateles Lake
The gate at the state launch is locked and closed for winter. Anglers are fishing through ice on the lake. Try jigging spikes for walleye or trout.
Cayuga Lake
Panfish are in shallow water at around 10 feet. The ice is around 3 inches thick, with reports of 6-8 inches. Remember to use a spud to check ice thickness when working way out on lake. Look for lake trout in 150-170 feet while jigging.
Oneida Lake
Ice is around 10-18 inches thick around the lake, with a thick layer of slush that has frozen some with the recent cooler temperatures. For walleye and perch try jigging with spikes or small plastics in around 25 feet of water.
Otisco Lake
Anglers have been ice fishing in some spots on Otisco; however, it is recommended to keep away from the narrows or the dam until there is a good amount of ice. Don’t forget to spud on your way out to your ice fishing spot. Look for tiger musky around Lader Point, Turtle Bay and along the causing using tip ups or jigs with minnows. Try jigging for perch and crappie on the south end using spikes.
Whitney Point Reservoir
As of February 4, there was 12 inches of ice, but remember to spud on way out to your ice fishing spot as ice thickness can vary throughout the reservoir. For panfish try #4 hooks with a small jig. Crappie can also be caught using a minnow or spikes through the ice. For walleye, try crankbaits, stickbaits, jig/worm or worm harnesses. Check the special fishing regulations for walleye season catch limits when fishing at Whitney Point Reservoir.
