by Thomas Kika
SARATOGA COUNTY — Ice fishing conditions on Saratoga Lake and Round Lake are on the decline with recent ice thaws, though they remain mostly safe for anyone remaining on foot. According to Tim Blodgett, owner of Saratoga Tackle and Archery in Schuylerville, overall conditions in the 2016-2017 season were an improvement over last season, even as things began to warm up in the second week of January.
Blodgett estimates that about eight inches of ice remain on the southern end of Saratoga Lake. This amount is safe for fishing on foot, but not for snowmobiles or other vehicles. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, around 10 inches of white ice would be considered safe for snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles, while four inches is the point at which fishers should stay off the ice.
“If you don’t know the conditions,” Blodgett said, “don’t be a pioneer.”
Saratoga Lake had a “good run” this season between Christmas and the second week of January, when warmer weather and water flows into the lake caused the ice to begin thawing. According to Blodgett, this marks an improvement over the 2015-2016 season, which was “terrible” on account of warm weather.
The ice fishing season is not likely to stick around much longer, for a few reasons. The last day for fishing of walleyes and pikes, two of the more prominent species in Saratoga Lake and Round Lake, is March 15, due to the start of their spawning seasons. Also, Blodgett said that the recent stretch of warmer weather in the area is likely to turn people away from ice fishing.
As for the fishing itself, Blodgett was pleased with his results this year. “I was satisfied with my catch,” Blodgett said, referring to walleyes at Saratoga Lake about two weeks ago.
Larry Goodwin contributed to this article.
