Ice Fishermen Beware!
Gary Moore
January 01, 2026
It has been cold and ice has formed on many bodies of water so those of us who ice fish are anxious to get out. Just be careful. It is still early in the season.
Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a "rule of thumb" on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.
Keep in mind that thick ice does not always mean safe ice. It is possible for ice to be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes. Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.
I like the saying, Thick and blue, tried and true
Thin and crispy, way too risky
Vermont Fishing Regs Take Effect With New Year
Vermont anglers will want to know about several changes to fishing regulations that take effect on January 1, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Most notable are the updated regulations referring to panfish and the use of baitfish. Additional changes can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations booklet available free from license agents and on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Panfish: For most waters other than Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, daily limits of panfish have become more restrictive. Bluegill, Bullhead, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass and Yellow Perch have a combined daily limit of 50 fish, no more than 25 of which can be Black Crappie or White Crappie.
The commercial sale of crappie is now prohibited.
Anglers who wish to sell their catch will need to add a free fish seller’s endorsement to their license.
Baitfish: The current three-year cycle of the wild baitfish endorsement expires on 12/31/2025. If you would like to harvest baitfish between 1/1/26 and 12/31/28 you will need to take the quiz and add the free tag to your license.
You can now use a larger minnow trap to harvest your own baitfish. The size of a legal minnow trap has increased from no longer than 18” with an entrance not exceeding 1” in diameter to no longer than 24” with an entrance not exceeding 2.5” in diameter. This means that folks will be able to target larger fish to use as bait.
Stay Hydrated even In Winter
Staying hydrated is important when active outdoors. Just because it is winter and below freezing does not mean hydration is any less important.
Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty and check your urine. Clear is great, bright yellow is not.
The old adage hikers recite in summer and fall is worth remembering in the winter. POPC, pee often, pee clear.
Bits and Pieces
The AMC’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center will again host weekly dinners with a speaker who presents about various adventures in different countries. The program follows a four course dinner of foods from the country featured.
The programs take place on Wednesdays January through March and will feature in order, Albania, Brazil, Mongolia, Switzerland, South Africa, Taiwan, India, Scotland, Panama, Kenya, Slovenia and Germany and Indonesia.
I try to attend at least one each year. Unfortunately, it is a 180 mile drive roundtrip for me. However, there are special packages that include lodging at the Joe Dodge Lodge and a voucher for the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center which I take advantage of.
To learn more or make a reservation, call 603-466-2727.
***
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will be conducting Introduction to Ice Fishing Clinics open to the public this winter.
“Families in Vermont sometimes turn to ice fishing during the winter months for a popular family outing,” said Fish and Wildlife Education Specialist Corey Hart. “Our educational fishing programs provide new anglers with the information they need to be successful, and additional programs will be added in the months ahead.”
The closest to us will be the Ice Fishing Festival held on Lake Elmore January 11 and an introduction to smelt fishing February 26 on Waterbury Reservoir
You can register for a clinic on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website under Upcoming Events.
Contact F&W at letsgofishing@vermont.gov or call 802-505-5562 for additional information.
***
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on re-adopting rules related to Fis 800 on Wednesday, January 14, at NHFG Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. The hearing will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The rules related to the importation, possession, and use of wildlife are being re-adopted
The public is invited to attend to provide feedback or submit comments until January 22, via e-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov. The proposed rules can be viewed ahead of the meeting by visiting https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/proposed-rules.
***
New Hampshire’s Open Snowmobile Registration weekend will be Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, riders from throughout New England, as well as those from all around the U.S. and Canada, will have the opportunity to explore the over 7,000 miles of picturesque trails New Hampshire has to offer snowmobilers.
During the 3-day Open Snowmobile Registration Weekend, sleds legally registered to ride in other states and provinces will be able to operate on New Hampshire’s trails without having to register in the state. All other New Hampshire laws and regulations regarding the operation of snowmobiles will be enforced, including speed limits, safety equipment, carrying signed landowner permission letters, compliant exhaust systems relative to noise and decibel levels, and youth operation standards.
For information on snowmobiling, including rules and regulations in New Hampshire, visit www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/ohrv. Learn more about New Hampshire’s extensive trail system at www.nhtrails.org. Become familiar with local snowmobile clubs and services at www. slednh.com.
***
Mark Breen reports in the Fairbanks Museum's Skywatch Almanac that on
December 30, 1933: “Bloomfield, VT dropped to -50°F, the coldest ever in Vermont and in New England.”
Mark also suppled the December Records and Averages
Warmest: 35.8°F in 2015 Coldest: 4.6°F in 1989
Wettest: 7.91 inches in 1973 Snowiest: 53.7 inches in 2007
Parting Shots
Heading up I-91 Saturday afternoon a week ago I spied several crows south of the Wells River Exit at MM 106 feasting on the carcass of a deer. When I got right beside them up popped a much larger Bald Eagle with its bright white head. It turned to look at me and, it may be my imagination, but I think it made eye contact for an instant as I sped by. It was a real joy.
***
Sunday, December 21 Don Kollisch and I joined some thirty others for the annual Upper Valley Land Trust Winter Solstice Hike to the Lyme Pinnacle. It was the second year for me and the fourth for Don.
From on top one has a great views of the Connecticut River Valley to the west and the Green Mountains beyond. To the east,the southern White Mountains are prominent.
St. Johnsbury native and UVLT Vice President Jason Berard welcomed us on top with hot chocolate to warm the hikers who chat, meet old friends and new while enjoying the fresh air.
This year it was quite cool on top as the wind was brisk and thus we did not linger as long as we normally would.
The group set off at 4 p.m. and arrived back at the trailhead before 6.
***
Linda and I went to church Christmas Eve and enjoyed the festive service. Christmas Day we stayed home, relaxed and enjoyed the views of the trees that surround our home decorated with fresh snow.
Linda cooked me roast beef and Yorkshire pudding which has been our Christmas dinner for most of our 55 years of marriage. It was my Dad’s favorite meal and one I grew up enjoying.
Unfortunately, Linda can take nothing by mouth so she could not sample the benefits of her labor.
***
I always try to listen to Joel Najman’s My Place Saturdays on Vermont Public radio at 7 p.m. He plays the music of the 50s and 60s which bring back so many memories. Of special interest is his telling the story behind each song and about its writer, a veritable trip back in history.
***
“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”
George Orwell
***
Wishing you the best for the new year
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2025 Gary W. Moore
Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a "rule of thumb" on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.
Keep in mind that thick ice does not always mean safe ice. It is possible for ice to be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes. Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.
I like the saying, Thick and blue, tried and true
Thin and crispy, way too risky
Vermont Fishing Regs Take Effect With New Year
Vermont anglers will want to know about several changes to fishing regulations that take effect on January 1, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Most notable are the updated regulations referring to panfish and the use of baitfish. Additional changes can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations booklet available free from license agents and on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Panfish: For most waters other than Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, daily limits of panfish have become more restrictive. Bluegill, Bullhead, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass and Yellow Perch have a combined daily limit of 50 fish, no more than 25 of which can be Black Crappie or White Crappie.
The commercial sale of crappie is now prohibited.
Anglers who wish to sell their catch will need to add a free fish seller’s endorsement to their license.
Baitfish: The current three-year cycle of the wild baitfish endorsement expires on 12/31/2025. If you would like to harvest baitfish between 1/1/26 and 12/31/28 you will need to take the quiz and add the free tag to your license.
You can now use a larger minnow trap to harvest your own baitfish. The size of a legal minnow trap has increased from no longer than 18” with an entrance not exceeding 1” in diameter to no longer than 24” with an entrance not exceeding 2.5” in diameter. This means that folks will be able to target larger fish to use as bait.
Stay Hydrated even In Winter
Staying hydrated is important when active outdoors. Just because it is winter and below freezing does not mean hydration is any less important.
Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty and check your urine. Clear is great, bright yellow is not.
The old adage hikers recite in summer and fall is worth remembering in the winter. POPC, pee often, pee clear.
Bits and Pieces
The AMC’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center will again host weekly dinners with a speaker who presents about various adventures in different countries. The program follows a four course dinner of foods from the country featured.
The programs take place on Wednesdays January through March and will feature in order, Albania, Brazil, Mongolia, Switzerland, South Africa, Taiwan, India, Scotland, Panama, Kenya, Slovenia and Germany and Indonesia.
I try to attend at least one each year. Unfortunately, it is a 180 mile drive roundtrip for me. However, there are special packages that include lodging at the Joe Dodge Lodge and a voucher for the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center which I take advantage of.
To learn more or make a reservation, call 603-466-2727.
***
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will be conducting Introduction to Ice Fishing Clinics open to the public this winter.
“Families in Vermont sometimes turn to ice fishing during the winter months for a popular family outing,” said Fish and Wildlife Education Specialist Corey Hart. “Our educational fishing programs provide new anglers with the information they need to be successful, and additional programs will be added in the months ahead.”
The closest to us will be the Ice Fishing Festival held on Lake Elmore January 11 and an introduction to smelt fishing February 26 on Waterbury Reservoir
You can register for a clinic on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website under Upcoming Events.
Contact F&W at letsgofishing@vermont.gov or call 802-505-5562 for additional information.
***
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on re-adopting rules related to Fis 800 on Wednesday, January 14, at NHFG Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. The hearing will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The rules related to the importation, possession, and use of wildlife are being re-adopted
The public is invited to attend to provide feedback or submit comments until January 22, via e-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov. The proposed rules can be viewed ahead of the meeting by visiting https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/proposed-rules.
***
New Hampshire’s Open Snowmobile Registration weekend will be Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, riders from throughout New England, as well as those from all around the U.S. and Canada, will have the opportunity to explore the over 7,000 miles of picturesque trails New Hampshire has to offer snowmobilers.
During the 3-day Open Snowmobile Registration Weekend, sleds legally registered to ride in other states and provinces will be able to operate on New Hampshire’s trails without having to register in the state. All other New Hampshire laws and regulations regarding the operation of snowmobiles will be enforced, including speed limits, safety equipment, carrying signed landowner permission letters, compliant exhaust systems relative to noise and decibel levels, and youth operation standards.
For information on snowmobiling, including rules and regulations in New Hampshire, visit www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/ohrv. Learn more about New Hampshire’s extensive trail system at www.nhtrails.org. Become familiar with local snowmobile clubs and services at www. slednh.com.
***
Mark Breen reports in the Fairbanks Museum's Skywatch Almanac that on
December 30, 1933: “Bloomfield, VT dropped to -50°F, the coldest ever in Vermont and in New England.”
Mark also suppled the December Records and Averages
Warmest: 35.8°F in 2015 Coldest: 4.6°F in 1989
Wettest: 7.91 inches in 1973 Snowiest: 53.7 inches in 2007
Parting Shots
Heading up I-91 Saturday afternoon a week ago I spied several crows south of the Wells River Exit at MM 106 feasting on the carcass of a deer. When I got right beside them up popped a much larger Bald Eagle with its bright white head. It turned to look at me and, it may be my imagination, but I think it made eye contact for an instant as I sped by. It was a real joy.
***
Sunday, December 21 Don Kollisch and I joined some thirty others for the annual Upper Valley Land Trust Winter Solstice Hike to the Lyme Pinnacle. It was the second year for me and the fourth for Don.
From on top one has a great views of the Connecticut River Valley to the west and the Green Mountains beyond. To the east,the southern White Mountains are prominent.
St. Johnsbury native and UVLT Vice President Jason Berard welcomed us on top with hot chocolate to warm the hikers who chat, meet old friends and new while enjoying the fresh air.
This year it was quite cool on top as the wind was brisk and thus we did not linger as long as we normally would.
The group set off at 4 p.m. and arrived back at the trailhead before 6.
***
Linda and I went to church Christmas Eve and enjoyed the festive service. Christmas Day we stayed home, relaxed and enjoyed the views of the trees that surround our home decorated with fresh snow.
Linda cooked me roast beef and Yorkshire pudding which has been our Christmas dinner for most of our 55 years of marriage. It was my Dad’s favorite meal and one I grew up enjoying.
Unfortunately, Linda can take nothing by mouth so she could not sample the benefits of her labor.
***
I always try to listen to Joel Najman’s My Place Saturdays on Vermont Public radio at 7 p.m. He plays the music of the 50s and 60s which bring back so many memories. Of special interest is his telling the story behind each song and about its writer, a veritable trip back in history.
***
“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”
George Orwell
***
Wishing you the best for the new year
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2025 Gary W. Moore
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