Higher than normal temperatures have left unfavorable conditions for local ice fisherman in Marion County.

Weather conditions for the start of January have been unusual as South Central Iowa residents have seen afternoon temperatures in the 40s to start out the new year. That warmths leaves little opportunities for ice fishers on Lake Red Rock, a normal hot spot for winter anglers. Last winter, there was limited safe ice as well and two years ago, there was almost no freeze on the lake at all. Marion County Conservation Director Cale Edwards says there have been a few opportunities for ice fishing this winter and he has seen fishers out on the lake at times, but stresses that those planning on ice fishing should be extra careful.

“Any ice that is in our area right now I would exercise extreme caution when you walk out there. There have been some people trying to fish at Roberts Creek a few weeks ago when we had a little bit of a cold spell. When I took a look out there the ice was still pretty thin so just use extreme caution when you’re going to go out especially around the big lake of Red Rock. With currents and wind that can really change dramatically.”

The Iowa DNR recommends that ice be at least four inches thick to be considered safe.