The Daily Freeman is reporting the state Department of Environmental Conservation has designated February 15 and16, 2020, as a free fishing weekend. On those two days, the fishing license requirement will be waived statewide. New York residents interested in learning how to ice fish are encouraged to visit the Department of Environmental Conservation's fishing clinics webpage at DEC [dot] NY [dot] gov. Participation in these programs does not require a fishing license and the equipment is often provided for use. For anyone interested in ice fishing, the DEC advises that four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. Ice thickness can vary on bodies of water and even within the same body of water. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.