Ice-fishing rules for Tomhannock relaxed

TROY, N.Y. » The State Department of Environmental Conservation and the city of Troy will now allow ice fisherman to use battery-powered augers on the Tomhannock Reservoir in the town of Pittstown.

The use of gasoline- and propane-powered augers remains prohibited on the reservoir, however, officials said in a news release.

Ice fishing is permitted during daylight hours only from Jan. 1 through March 15. Shelters of any kind are not permitted on the reservoir, including popups on sleds.

The Tomhannock Reservoir is a 1,700-acre public water supply that provides drinking water to the city of Troy and surrounding communities. The DEC and the city of Troy cooperatively manage public fishing on the reservoir. Anglers must have a valid state fishing license and a separate permit from the city to fish at the reservoir.

Ice conditions permitting, the DEC will hold a free ice fishing clinic on the reservoir on Saturday, Jan. 20, with no fishing license or city permit required to fish during the program. However, all other fishing regulations will remain in effect.

The City Clerk’s Office issues fishing permits for the reservoir, while anglers can obtain a state fishing license from a licensed issuing agent, by phone or online. For more information about obtaining a state fishing license, visit www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html. For more information about obtaining a permit from the city, visit www.troyny.gov/forms-permits/fishing-permit.