Courtesy NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
News and notes from the Department of Environmental Conservation aimed at locals and travelers to the area, alike:
Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Survey - Year 2 Underway
For the second year, DEC Fisheries staff will be surveying anglers coming off the ice to collect data on target species, the number caught, and size. Participation in the program is voluntary but strongly encouraged.
As an incentive to participate, anglers will be entered into a drawing for several ice fishing gear prizes, including a jet sled, jigging rod, rechargeable aerator, and bait bucket.
The 2022 ice fishing survey will take place at four access points: Plattsburgh Boat Launch on Cumberland Bay; Willsboro Bay Boat Launch; Bulwagga Bay Campground; and South Bay Boat Launch.
Having an understanding of what anglers are harvesting and targeting will help us continue to best manage the Lake Champlain fishery as one of the top fishing destinations in the state.
A copy of the Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey plan can be found on DEC's website (PDF). A summary of 2021 survey results will be available in early 2022.
The survey plan itself says the data from the New York side of Lake Champlain is outdated since the last survey of this type took place in 1999, until last year, the first year of the new survey.
"This survey predates significant changes to species composition, fisheries management practices and environmental disturbances in the lake, including the introduction of aquatic invasive species, increased sediment and phosphorus inputs, and climate change," the plan's introduction says.
Safety & Education
Winter recreation is fun and exciting. It can also be challenging and dangerous. Whether you’re going for a hike, a bike, a paddle, or fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.
Winter weather can be wonderful or dangerous. Checking the weather is one of the most important steps you will take when planning a winter hike or other outing. Knowing the weather you will encounter will help you prepare properly, which is especially important in the winter when snow, ice, extreme cold, and high winds can create challenging or even deadly conditions. Keep the following in mind as you check the weather:
- What is the forecast for the days leading up to your trip? Knowing what the weather has been helps you know what conditions you will encounter.
- What is the forecast for the day of your trip? Check the forecast temperature, wind speeds, wind chill, chance of precipitation and amount of precipitation. These are all important factors in determining if the trip is safe, what route you should take, your timeline, and what layers and gear to pack.
- What is the forecast for the night after your trip and the following day? Always be prepared for an unexpected overnight.
- Conditions will change as you gain elevation. High elevation and summit conditions are often far more severe than at the trailhead, with lower temperatures, stronger winds, lower visibility, deeper snow, and more ice. Check summit forecasts for mountaintop data.
- Be prepared to turn around. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, especially at higher elevations and above tree line. Unexpected weather can roll in and create dangerous conditions. If you notice conditions changing, or if you encounter conditions you are not prepared for, turn around. You can always return to complete the hike another day when the weather is better.
The 2022 hard water (ie: ice) fishing season is almost here
Now that winter’s officially here, anglers can look forward to “hard water” season here in New York. Although much of the state has yet to develop safe ice for fishing, it doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for your first trip out on the ice. DEC’s website is a great source of information for beginner ice fishing tips, as well as waters open to ice fishing.
Safety is key with any activity, so be sure to check the ice frequently as you venture out. A minimum of four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safely walking on the ice. Other safety tips:
- Let someone know your ice fishing plans (when and where you’re going).
- Carry a set of retractable ice safety picks around your neck should you break through the ice.
- Fish with a friend.
- Avoid walking near moving/open water. (Dock owners often put bubblers out to prevent ice from damaging their docks, so these areas can be unsafe.)