Warmwater destinations include Island Pond in Washington, Highland Lake (Stoddard-Washington), Lake Potanipo in Brookline, Contoocook Lake, Crescent Lake in Acworth and Drew Lake in Hopkinton.

Designated trout ponds are closed to ice-fishing, and the taking of landlocked salmon through the ice is illegal in all New Hampshire waters.

Before heading out, be sure to check the most recent fishing regulations at Wildlife.State.NH.us.

RHODE ISLAND
Trout & Salmon
Each December, hatchery-raised trout and surplus Atlantic salmon brood stock are poured into several waters around the Ocean State in preparation for the ice-fishing season.

Prime waters include Olney Pond in Lincoln, Barber Pond in South Kingstown, Meadowbrook Pond in Richmond and Carbuncle Pond in Coventry. Barber, Meadowbrook and Carbuncle receive both spring and fall trout stocking, as does Stafford Pond in Tiverton.

Surplus Atlantic salmon brood stock is also added to Stafford Pond annually, along with a hefty stocking of trout. The salmon average 5 to 8 pounds each, with a few 14-pounders for good measure. Best access is off Route 81 on the left side of the highway.

All designated trout waters close to fishing on March 1, so anglers should hope for safe ice early in the season! Warmwater Hotspots

Carbuncle is also a record-breaking largemouth bass destination. Try Wash Pond for smallmouths. Tiogue Lake is known for its good-sized white catfish.

Hundred Acre Pond is a good possibility for winter pike. In fact, this lake gave up the state-record northern -- a monster weighing 35 pounds and measuring 47.5 inches!

For warmwater action, try fishing for sunfish in Indian Lake or yellow perch at Pascoag Reservoir.

Before venturing out, anglers should check with individual communities (game wardens, police or sheriff’s offices) about safe ice conditions on local ponds. The DEM does not monitor ice conditions in local communities.

For conditions at Olney Pond at Lincoln Woods State Park, call the DEM’s 24-hour ice safety hotline at (401) 222-2632.

Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least 6 inches before it is considered safe. This generally takes at least five to seven consecutive days of temperatures dipping into the low 20s. Even then, ice strength can vary. Proceed with caution. For an ice safety guide, visit the Rhode Island DEM’s Web site at Dem.RI.gov, then click on “Parks and Recreation” under “Programs.”

For more information, including fishing regulations and destinations, visit Dem.RI.gov.

VERMONT
Lake Champlain
It would be impossible to talk about ice-fishing in the Green Mountain State without giving a nod to Lake Champlain. Over 100 miles long with 587 miles of shoreline, Champlain is the ultimate destination for all species. Landlocked salmon, lake trout, brown trout, yellow perch, white perch, walleyes and crappies all swim here. Best bets for salmon, yellow perch and smelts is north of the Sandbar Causeway between Milton and South Hero. If there’s good ice, deep-water lake trout may be found off the west shore of Grand Isle, in Converse Bay and in Button Bay south to the Champlain Bridge.

Perch are caught in any of the lake’s bays and shallows. Walleyes can show up anywhere in Lake Champlain, but the most consistent winter action can be found at the southern end of the lake off Benson and Orwell.