The Department of Environmental Conservation says anyone can fish without buying a license this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16-17. Those wanting to learn the basics of ice fishing can do so at the DEC website. Officials recommend making sure there is at least four inches of solid ice for anglers on foot. Wintertime New York fishers primarily catch perch, sunfish, pickerel, northern pike and walleye. DEC will offer three more free fishing opportunities later this year.

More From WDOS-WDLA-WCHN CNY News