Enormous Fish Was Caught Under Ice in New York State

While we wait for the weather to figure itself out, anglers across New York State are anxiously hoping for sustained cold temperatures to finally freeze up the lakes. We are nearly at the midpoint of January, and so far, we haven’t seen many ideal ice fishing conditions develop.

New York State’s Incredible Outdoor Resources

We are incredibly fortunate here in New York State to have such a wide variety of natural resources. From Niagara Falls to the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes, and all the way to the Adirondack Mountains, our backyard is massive, and truly remarkable.

See it: The Best Hotel View in New York State

For those who love the outdoors, there is always something new to explore and experience. Even in winter, there are endless opportunities to get outside. This season, I encourage you and your family to bundle up, step outdoors, and discover what your local area has to offer.

Why New York State Is Special for Hunters and Anglers

For hunters and anglers, New York State is an especially unique place. The Great Lakes alone provide incredible fishing opportunities year-round. However, when it comes to ice fishing, we’re still waiting on that long stretch of bitter cold and a deep freeze to create safe conditions.

Before heading out, it’s critical to remember New York State’s ice safety guidelines. Always know how much ice is considered safe to fish on, and never assume conditions are consistent across a lake. Checking with experienced ice anglers and local experts can help you determine when and where the best conditions exist.

Record Fish Beneath the Ice

While flipping through New York State fishing record books recently, I came across an absolutely massive fish that was caught while ice fishing right here in the state.

In 2018, Jared Churco "..ended up landing a fish of a lifetime – a massive 45-inch northern pike that weighed 25.1 pounds. The fish’s girth was 20 inches".

When ice does finally form, there are some incredible fish swimming beneath it. I wrote a story a few weeks ago about the largest perch ever caught in New York State. Most ice anglers I know regularly target yellow perch, not only are they fun to catch, but they’re also excellent table fare.

Warm Weather and Rain Impact Ice Fishing Conditions

Unfortunately, this week brings more warm temperatures and rain. When I woke up early Tuesday morning, it was shocking to see how much snow had melted in just the previous 24 hours. With heavy rain in the forecast, conditions do not look promising for ice fishing, especially in Western New York.

Where Ice Fishing Shines When Conditions Are Right

When winter finally tightens its grip and frigid temperatures return, Chautauqua Lake often becomes one of the top ice fishing destinations in New York State. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does an excellent job providing guidance on where to fish and which species are most active during the ice season.

A Winter Tradition Worth Sharing

I wish you all the best of luck this winter, and hopefully you’ll have the opportunity to reel in a trophy fish of your own. If you can, take a kid outdoors with you, whether it’s ice fishing or simply exploring, and help them learn to appreciate the natural beauty we’re lucky to have here in New York State.