DNR Conservation Officer Jake Willis says right now most area lakes are safe to walk on, but that driving is becoming a little more risky. 

Ice fishing is a popular activity this time of year and some people say the weather is also impacting the fishing.

To an extent, it's already a matter of luck when you go out ice fishing, but when the weather isn't on your side, it makes it even more difficult.

"Fishing conditions have been tough just with the ice not being as safe, not as easy to get out with all the snow we've had," said Marine General Sales Manager Rob Hering.

Hering says because of the warmer weather lately, more people have been going out ice fishing. He says this means an increase in business, but that the fishing has seen varied results.

"With all the pressure changes, you'll have days where it's really good and days where it's tough. There's not been a lot of in-between, even-keeled days," said Hering.

"It's been a little warmer than usual, and the heavy snow before Christmas that's what really did it. The wait of the snow pushes down on the ice. You drill a hole. The water comes up, and now you've got water, and that's just uncomfortable fishing," said Gregory Bambenek, a fisherman and manufacturer of Dr. Juice Fish Scent.

Yet Bambenek has still been trying his luck on the lakes. 

"We've had some luck catching Burbot and some Crappies up on Fish Lake. I have a cabin up there, getting out but the slush is causing some difficulties," said Bambenek.

Willis says the slushy ice conditions are also making for difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

While Willis says most area lakes have at least a foot of ice, he wants to reinforce that ice is never safe.

Even though ice houses don't have to be removed until March, Willis suggests if warm weather continues, you may want to make plans to remove permanent shelters even earlier than that.  

Willis also wants to remind the public to start thinking about removing their permanent houses.

To read the original article and see related outdoors reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV.  https://www.wdio.com/news/warmer-weather-impacting-ice-conditions/5627819/?cat=10335