With recent warmer temperatures and rain, the ice quality at Lake Darling has deteriorated according to Park Ranger Zach Haworth. As such, he advises winter anglers to avoid fishing on the lake for the time being. However, Haworth encourages people to utilize the warmer weather for other activities at Lake Darling. He says, “There’s always stuff to do here at the park. Even when the weather is not conducive to ice fishing, there’s still plenty of opportunities to check out the trails, check out the park, and we just invite everybody out to do that.”

If temperatures go back below freezing in the coming weeks, Lake Darling may once again be safe for ice fishing, but Fisheries Biologist Chad Dolan reminds people to check the thickness of the ice. He recommends at least four inches of ice before venturing onto it. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources reminds potential anglers to check their fishing licenses in case they need to be renewed.