Outdoors with Larry DiDonato Ice Fishing’s a Great Remedy for Cabin Fever

These experienced ice anglers take ice fishing and safety seriously. Note the retractable ice picks on a lanyard around their necks. They’re just in case the worst happens and they go through to allow self-rescue using the tungsten spikes to grip slick, wet, ice so they can pull themselves up. They wear ice cleats over insulated waterproof boots for traction, buoyant float coats, and waterproof outerwear for safety while keeping warm.

Photo contributed by Sam Taylor

Christmas, New Years, and deer season have all come and gone as we approach the cold and gray doldrums of winter. But it doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors or at home, looking for something to do. If you’re a fisherman and want to keep warm by the fire, it’s a good time to go through your rods and reels, change line, lubricate reels, and organize your tackle. 

For those starting to get a case of cabin fever and need to get outside, there’s plenty of ice fishing opportunities, especially now that frigid temps have really bolstered ice conditions. While you can go it alone or with a partner for company, there’s lots of organized ice fishing event options in our area.

Here’s a list of a few upcoming ice fishing events:

Rensselaer County

The 39th Annual Grafton Lakes Ice Fishing Contest is set for Saturday, January 31st at Grafton Lakes State Park at 254 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY. Cash prizes will be awarded for adults with a 1st place finish for the longest measured catch for each of the following species/categories: rainbow/brown trout, walleye/chain pickerel, and yellow perch. Anglers with 2nd and 3rd place fish will receive gift cards and other prizes. An awards ceremony will take place at 2:20 pm. Kids contest winners will receive prizes as well. All those who register will also be entered into a raffle for door prizes. 

This year, Grafton Lakes State Park, will be participating in the MLK Food Drive. Participants will receive one extra ticket for bringing in donations. They will be accepting non-perishable food, hygiene products, and cash donations. Only one extra ticket per person, regardless of the donation amount. Expired items or dented cans cannot be accepted. The cost to enter the event is $10.00 for adults (cash only), children 15 and under are free. Registration starts at 5:30am at the Maintenance Building

Schoharie County

The Schoharie County Conservation Alliance, (SCCA), is sponsoring an ice fishing derby on the Franklinton Vly in Franklinton on state route 145 on Saturday, February 7th and the Fulton Rod and Gun Club is sponsoring the identical event the following Saturday on February 14th. Cost for adults is $10.00, kids under 14 are free. All kids get a prize. The event runs from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Students enrolled in SUNY Cobleskill’s Fisheries Program will have minnows for sale with all proceeds going to their program. Hot dogs, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa will also be available.

        Columbia County

        The Canaan Conservation Club is holding its 27th Annual Hardwater Fishing Derby on Saturday, February 14th at Queechy Lake in Canaan, NY. Registration begins at 5:45 am and the event runs from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Cost for adults 16 and older is $15.00, and $5.00 for kids 15 and under. There will be cash prizes for first, second, and third place for the largest fish in the following categories: trout, pickerel, perch, and crappie. There will also be a raffle with the grand prize being an insulated ice shelter, and other prizes including rods and reels, fishing gloves, a cordless ice auger, and a Buddy Heater, in addition to a 50/50 raffle. The event may be cancelled due to ice conditions. For more information, visit Canaan Conservation Club’s Facebook page.

        Greene County

The Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club in conjunction with the Stony Clove Rod &        Gun Club is hosting their Annual Children’s Ice Fishing Derby at Rip Van Winkle/Tannersville Lake on Sunday, February 22nd. Registration begins at 9:00 am, fish from 10:00 am to noon. Kids up to 16 years of age can compete in two divisions for prizes. Live bait, refreshments, and a few tips ups will be available. For more information, call Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Albany County

The Albany County Conservation Alliance is hosting their Annual Ice Fishing Derby on     Warners Lake on Saturday, February 28th from 7:00 am to noon. Registration is $5.00 and begins at 7:00 am and qualifies you for a door prize. Look out for additional raffle tickets for just $1.00. If you’ve never fished through the ice before, equipment is available on loan for the day. Parking for the event is at the Maple Inn at Warner’s Lake. There will be two prize divisions, one for youth 15 and under and one for adults 16 and older. Prizes will be awarded at 12:30 pm. Contact Chuck Berenger at 518-466-4259 or at the_stump3@hotmail.com.  All proceeds from the event go to sending youths to NYS DEC Conservation summer camps.    

*All NYS Fishing Regulations apply to all listed ice fishing events

From free kid’s ice fish derbies to serious competitive fishing, there’s something for everyone who wants to get out on the ice and out in the sun. A sure way to cure any symptoms of cabin fever.

Happy hunting, ice fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes

Save the Date for the Ducks Unlimited Greene County Chapter Banquet on March 7th  

The Greene County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual banquet, dinner and auction on Saturday, March 7th at Anthony’s Banquet Hall located at 746 County Route 23B in Leeds. Doors open at 3:30 pm with buffet dinner starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a live auction. Tickets are available online at www.ducks.org/newyork/events. For more information, call Dana Hanusik at 518-821-1773 or Jeff Holiday at 965-6105. 

Remember to report poaching violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at: 

1-844-DEC-ECOS.