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Across the country, drought, extreme heat and severe wildfires are putting pressure on the rivers and streams that sustain fish, wildlife and our communities.
Trout and salmon need cold, clean water. When rivers run low and water temperatures rise, these fish struggle to survive and thrive. Similarly, during drought conditions, communities face water shortages, farmers have less water available for crops, wildfire risk increases and outdoor recreation businesses suffer.
But there is good news: healthy watersheds can help communities and rivers withstand these challenges.
That’s why Trout Unlimited works to restore rivers, improve water management and reduce risk where it matters most.
During drought, streamflows decrease, water warms and fish lose the cold, clean habitat they need to survive. Dry conditions can also increase the severity, frequency and spread of wildfires.
The impacts ripple outward:
Through policy and on-the-ground restoration projects, Trout Unlimited works across the country to keep water in streams, improve coldwater habitat, and protect rivers and fish.
Healthy rivers provide clean water, sustain fish and wildlife, support local economies and connect communities to the outdoors.
Background photo shows Two Buttes Reservoir in the Colorado River Basin completely dry under Colorado’s severe drought conditions.
Across the country, Trout Unlimited is restoring rivers and streams in ways that help keep water on the landscape longer, improve habitat and strengthen watersheds against drought and wildfire.
Floodplains act like natural savings accounts for water. When rivers can spread out during high flows, water percolates into the ground, replenishing aquifers. That water is released slowly over time, helping streams stay healthier and cooler during dry periods. Wet, connected floodplains also provide critical fire breaks and refuge for fish and wildlife during wildfires.
Working with willing landowners, farmers, ranchers and communities to lease water rights and improve irrigation infrastructure, Trout Unlimited helps develop voluntary solutions that support farm operations and keep more water flowing in rivers and streams when fish need it most.
Along the Colorado River, years of drought have placed enormous pressure on communities, agriculture and fisheries that depend on its waters. But stories like this remind us that solutions are possible.
From replacing culverts to reconnecting streams and restoring streamside vegetation, these projects create healthier rivers that are better prepared for drought and wildfire. Low-tech solutions like beaver dam analogues elevate the streambed and raise the water table, acting as natural firebreaks and reducing wildfire severity while providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife.
Anglers are some of the strongest advocates for healthy rivers. During drought and hot weather, a few simple actions can help protect native trout and salmon.
Monitor streamflow and temperature – if a river is running low and warm, consider fishing elsewhere or not at all.
Water temperatures are usually coolest in the morning, making it easier on fish. Always carry a thermometer to monitor water temperatures before fishing.
Handle fish carefully and release them quickly whenever possible.
Many states and agencies issue drought-related fishing advisories or temporary closures to protect fish during stressful conditions.
Water higher up in mountains will generally be cooler than streams, rivers and lakes down lower. While it may be a little more work to gain some elevation, fishing in colder water puts less stress on trout.
Warmwater species like bass, carp and pike can provide excellent fishing while reducing pressure on trout and salmon during difficult conditions.
We’re building resources to help anglers discover new places to fish, learn new techniques and make responsible choices when conditions are tough.
Fishing during drought
During drought and summer heat, we have to make smart decisions about where and when to fish (and what to fish for). For angler-conservationists who want to be sure there will be fish in the rivers in 2027, 2028, and beyond, we’re sharing ways to still get on the water. Learn how to be an “ABT” angler, adjust your travel plans, become a lake angler, and more.
Press release
A broad coalition of more than 70 groups from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Tribal Nations is urging Congress that immediate federal investment is needed to reduce drought risks, protect critical infrastructure, and preserve the long-term reliability, value, and stability of Colorado River water for all Basin communities and Tribes.
For practioners
A community of practice linking stream restoration and wildfire management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both. We’re bringing together collaborative resources including science summaries, practical case studies, how-to guides, trainings, and opportunities to connect with practitioners working to create healthy rivers for wildfire resilience.
Drought and wildfire are challenges we cannot ignore. But by restoring rivers, improving water management and working together, we can help ensure that fish, wildlife and communities have the water they need.
Healthy watersheds are one of our best defenses against a hotter, drier future.
Together, we can build rivers that are resilient, productive and ready for the challenges ahead.
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Support Trout Unlimited’s work to restore rivers, strengthen watersheds and protect the cold, clean water that fish and communities depend on.
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