Boat fishing season on Kensico

[KenH]

It was my understanding that all the reservoirs were open to boating all year now, provided there is no ice on the water

Actually the wording is provided "ice-free". This is not the same thing as
"no ice on the water". In simple terms, it means that you will not get your boat stuck in the ice. I have been out plenty of times with ice on the water and the DEP boat in front of me.
"Ice-free" means "ice free for navigation", and this could mean sufficient open water for safe navigation, or even broken up by an icebreaker.

[KenH]

I know the motor boat was DEP.  He wasn't messing with anybody.  Drove right past me twice.

Unless the DEP boat has "POLICE" written on the side of the hull, it won't stop you for a check. DEP boats run around Kensico checking on various locations for the water supply and also to chase waterbirds away.
 

[G.Freshwater]

You are probably right Ken.  That's the problem with getting old.  I could have sworn it was the other way around. 

Yesterday I was cruising on 684 and there was a center console flying down Rye lake and it felt like he was keeping up.  Couldn't be though.  I was doing 65.  He probably was doing well over 40 though.  I would volunteer to chase birds like that for a day.