Update February 22, 2017. The Casterline Pond ice fishing clinic had been canceled.

A series of free ice fishing clinics are scheduled across New York State to educate people about the unique sport and how to safely enjoy time on the ice.

The clinics, conducted by DEC, are part of Governor Cuomo's I FISH NY program, which aims to increase participation and awareness of the outstanding fishing opportunities in New York.

Canadarago Lake - Otsego County - February 22

Participate in a free ice fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the public boat launch at Canadarago Lake just south of Richfield Springs on NYS Route 28. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the unique sport of ice fishing and the fishing clinic is non-competitive and geared toward anglers of any age.
Yellow perch and chain pickerel are the main target species for ice anglers in Canadarago Lake, while sunfish, black crappie, rock bass, black bass and walleye are also present in the lake. For more information about the event, contact the DEC Region 4 Fisheries office at (607) 652-7366 or Rich Sheckells at Glimmerglass State Park at 607-547-8662. Pre-registration is appreciated. Participants can pre-register by calling Rich Sheckells at 607-547-8662.
While a DEC fishing license is not required for this event, all other statewide and special regulations for Otsego Lake remain in effect. Normally, anyone age 16 or older is required to obtain a fishing license to fish or assist with fishing in fresh waters of New York State.

UPDATE: Casterline Pond Event Has Been Cancelled

Casterline Pond - Cortland County - February 22

DEC will host a free ice fishing clinic on Wednesday, February 22  from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Casterline Pond fishing access parking area on Route 11, just north of Homer in Cortland County. DEC will supply bait, tackle and the drilling of holes. There will be a short lesson on the basics of ice fishing, and DEC staff will be on hand throughout the event to assist participants on the ice. Casterline Pond has brown and rainbow trout, along with bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish.

Cazenovia Lake - Madison County - February 26

This free fishing clinic is scheduled for February 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cazenovia Lake in Madison County. The event will be held at the Route 20 Department of Transportation (DOT) rest area parking lot on the south end of Cazenovia Lake.
DEC will supply bait, tackle and the drilling of holes. There will be a short lesson on the basics of ice fishing, and DEC staff will be on hand throughout the event to assist participants on the ice. Cazenovia Lake has bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, black crappie, yellow perch and chain pickerel.

[Information from dec.ny.gov]


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