The state Department of Environmental Conservation is warning anglers to be careful while ice fishing this winter.

“The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be considered as evidence of safe ice conditions,” the DEC said in a press release. “Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk.”

There needs to be a minimum of 4 inches of clear ice for the water body to be considered safe, and ice thickness can vary. The thickness of the ice should be checked at different points using an auger or ice spud.

The DEC says that anglers should be extra-cautious around areas of moving water and where bubblers may have been installed around docks and boat houses.

The department also reminds the public in the release that the weekend of Feb. 18 and 19 has been designated a free fishing weekend, when no fishing license is required. All other regulations still apply.