February 14 - February 21, 2025
Free Fishing Weekend, February 15-16
During President’s Day weekend, February 15-16, anyone can fish the freshwaters of New York and no fishing license is required. It’s the perfect time to introduce a friend or relative to fishing. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply during Free Fishing Days.
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. Drilling holes or tapping with a spud bar to check ice thickness at regular intervals is recommended. Safety ice picks, boot cleats, throw rope and flotation devices are recommended safety supplies. Use good judgement and fish with a friend. Avoid any areas near open water, dock bubblers, stream inlets and outlets.
See I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Ice Fishing (PDF) and Learn to Ice Fish for safety, how-to, and location information.
Salmon River
As of February 12, the river is at 500 cubic feet per second (CFS) and the dam release is at 295 CFS. Keep an eye on flows and dam releases before going to the river. Steelhead are being caught in decent numbers. Egg sacks under bobbers or bounced on the bottom seem to be the primary bait for anglers who are landing fish.
Oswego River
As of February 12, the river is at 4,970 cubic feet per second (CFS). Fishing has been slow in the river, with mostly brown trout and steelhead being caught. For walleye, try large stickbaits or jigs.
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
Shore fishing with minnows can be effective for trout. Rainbow trout can be found in 75 feet of water 25 feet down. Panfish can be caught in 15 to 20 feet of water using spikes or teardrop jigs.
Cayuga Lake
Anglers are mostly fishing the northern east side of the lake. Anglers report there is about 7 to 8 inches of ice. Be careful on the west side of the north end as there is a pressure crack and Frontenac bay ice is breaking up from the wind. Ice fishing the north end for panfish and pickerel can prove to be effective. Perch are biting well in 10-15 feet of water.
Oneida Lake
Anglers seem to be ice fishing almost everywhere on the lake as there is around 6 inches of ice, but please adhere to ice fishing safety tips before venturing out to your fishing spot. Walleye and panfish can be found in 15 to 30 feet of water. Walleye are biting great about 5-8 feet off the bottom. For panfish try small jigs, small bright colored spinners, or #4 hooks with spikes.
Otisco Lake
Look for tiger musky in the shallow north end, Lader Point, Turtle Bay and along the causeway using small jigs or minnows. For walleye, look in the 15-to-20-foot depth range with jigs, worms, and spikes. The north end is offering some good ice fishing for bluegills and pumpkinseeds.
Whitney Point Reservoir
Anglers report there is around 8 inches of ice. For walleye, try jig/worm, spikes, or a minnow head or a half minnow for ice fishing. Walleye can be caught by jigging through the ice. For panfish, try #4 hooks with spikes, wax worms, or a small jig.
Cazenovia Lake
As of February 3, there is 8 inches of ice on the lake. Since ice conditions can change, please follow the ice fishing safety tips before venturing out to your fishing spot. North end is proving to be effective for panfish. For panfish try using spikes, wax worms, or cut minnows.
