As part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY is Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) will co-host a free ice fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19 at Glimmerglass State Park in the town of Springfield, Otsego County, DEC Region 4 Director Gene Kelly announced today.

“Governor Cuomo supports these kinds of events to offer a great opportunity for the public to learn more about the unique sport of ice fishing and how to better enjoy New York's natural resources in the winter,” Kelly said.  “This event is non-competitive and geared toward anglers of any age that are new to the sport of ice fishing.”

Anglers can expect to catch yellow perch and chain pickerel. Sunfish, black crappie, rock bass, black bass, walleye and lake trout are also present in Otsego Lake. A warming area and refreshments will be available. DEC will supply most of the bait and tackle but experienced anglers are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear. There will be a short lesson on the basics of ice fishing and filleting your catch at 10 a.m., and DEC and OPRHP staff will be on hand throughout the day to assist participants on the ice.

Ice fishing is an example of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.

In support of this initiative, Governor Cuomo this year has proposed creating 50 new land access projects, which will connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have gone untapped until now. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the Governor’s budget includes $4 million to repair the state’s fish hatcheries.

To further encourage fishing in New York State, Governor Cuomo signed legislation in 2012 expanding the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by enabling DEC to increase the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state. The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. 

Pre-registration is appreciated. For more information about the event or to pre-register, contact event OPRHP biologist Rich Sheckells at 607-547- 8662, email: richard.sheckells@oprhp.state.ny.us; or visit the Friends of Glimmerglass website at: www.friendsofglimmerglass.com.

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 NYS.

To learn more about New York’s aquatic resources, visit DEC’s fishing website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html.