Free Ice Fishing Weekend: President’s Day weekend (February 13-14, 2016) will be a free ice fishing weekend to encourage more New Yorkers to try Ice fishing while many are on winter recess. Assuming sufficient ice to support access this year, residents and visitors age 16 and older will be able to fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State without a license, providing a great opportunity for people to learn about this popular sport.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html