Shown are a perch and crappie hauled up when the ice was thick enough to ice fish. Authorities do not recommend anyone attempt to ice fish at this time.

Patience catches the fish, and for ice fishermen it could save their lives.

While many ice fishermen enjoyed the sport sparingly this season, perfect conditions were ushered into the area during the past couple weekends. But those conditions are rapidly changing, according to officials.

Dustin Drew, park manager for Moraine State Park, said rain and warm temperatures quickly melt the ice, and Lake Arthur's icy top is no exception.

“I would say it's definitely on its way out,” Drew said. “It's in a weakened state.”

Mark Adomaitis, head of Butler County's Water Rescue Team 300, said he witnessed the lake's condition on Monday.

“I was up there on Monday and we had nearly eight inches of ice, but that deteriorated quickly,” Adomaitis said. “I would not recommend anyone going out on that ice now.”

This is an excerpt — pick up Friday's Butler Eagle or subscribe to butlereagle.com to find out what else Adomatis and Drew had to say.