Crews are searching for a man who went missing near a popular fishing spot on the Youghiogheny River. 

New Haven Hose Company Fire Chief Jeff Layton said they got a 911 call around 9 p.m. Wednesday about a fisherman who had gone missing after wading into the Yough River. 

Fifty-five-year-old Jerry Grimm of Connellsville was last seen near the Crawford Avenue Bridge, Connellsville Police Sergeant Bryan Kendi said. Witnesses lost sight of Grimm when he went around a bend, so Kendi said crews are focusing their search around that area. 

Officials have been warning people to be cautious on the Yough River. The rivers and rapids that run through Ohiopyle State Park are up almost four feet from their normal two-foot summer level. 

"Weeks previous to this, we've had a lot of rain. The occupancy dam is just a few miles up the river. They are letting water out. It's causing the current to increase. And even though it's a nice sunny day, the water is up. The current is moving faster than normal, and it becomes a hazard for anybody that's going to go into this water," Kendi said. 

Grimm's friends say he's an experienced fisherman, but officials say conditions can change quickly, and they urge everyone who gets into the water to be careful. 

"Even the ground surface under the water is changing as well. The water is carrying away debris, it's bringing new debris in, it's making rocks and stuff unstable where you can slip, you can cut yourself, and if you're just not careful, unfortunately, really bad things can happen," Kendi said. 

Just over a week ago, an experienced kayaker drowned in the Yough River. And earlier this month, three kayakers also had to be rescued when water levels were even higher. 

Crews are using boats, divers and a helicopter to search for Grimm. While the heat is posing a challenge, Layton says they have an area set up where crews can hydrate and rotate out. 

Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln said in a Facebook post shortly before 7 p.m. that New Haven Hose Company has suspended the search for the day.

"Conditions were not good at all. Especially the heat. They will regroup tomorrow to figure out how to move forward with the search. Sending out lots of continued prayers to the family. Thank you!!" Lincoln wrote.