Fish Cayuga County's Small Lakes During Winter Verified listing

Cayuga County's small lakes, including Cross Lake, Duck Lake, Otter Lake, and Lake Como, offer excellent ice fishing opportunities during the winter months. These shallower lakes are ideal for targeting warm-water species through the ice. Anglers can expect to catch northern pike, tiger muskie, walleye, panfish, and bass. The best ice fishing conditions typically occur during the first and last safe ice periods, as water temperatures are most favourable during these times. However, it's crucial to ensure the ice is safe before venturing out. A minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is generally considered safe for foot traffic, but anglers should always check ice thickness regularly and be cautious of areas near shore, over moving water, and where streams enter and exit lakes and ponds.

To enhance safety, experienced ice anglers recommend carrying a set of ice picks, which can be homemade by attaching sharpened nails to wooden dowels. These tools can help pull oneself out if falling through the ice and should be worn around the neck while fishing. Slush ice is about 50% weaker than clear blue ice, and river ice is about 15% weaker, so extra caution is needed in these conditions to avoid accidents.

For those new to ice fishing, it is important to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations for each water body, as not all lakes permit ice fishing. Anglers should consult the freshwater fishing regulations and general ice fishing rules for the area. Additionally, any ice fishing shanties must be clearly marked with the owner’s name and address in large letters and removed by March 15 to prevent them from becoming hazards to navigation. Overall, Cayuga County’s small lakes offer a serene and rewarding winter fishing experience for those prepared and cautious.