Long-term trends in water temperature, species range shifts, and population changes. Data based on USGS, NOAA, and state fisheries research.
Data synthesized from USGS streamgage temperature records and NOAA Great Lakes monitoring programs.
Projections based on thermal tolerance models from US Forest Service NorWeST stream temperature project and state fisheries research.
Relative indices from state creel surveys, USGS fish community sampling, and AFS population estimates.
Select a region to see local climate impacts on fish populations.
When water temps exceed 68F, minimize fight time for trout and salmon. Use barbless hooks. Avoid fishing deep cold-water refugia where stressed fish congregate.
Streamside vegetation provides critical shade. Support riparian buffer projects. One mature tree can shade 50+ feet of stream and reduce water temp by 3-5F.
Record water temperatures, spawning dates, and catch data. Programs like USGS StreamMail, iNaturalist, and state volunteer monitoring need angler observations.
Advocate for minimum instream flows during droughts. Cold-water releases from dams are critical for downstream trout survival. Attend water board meetings.
Keep warm-water species that are expanding (channel catfish, largemouth bass in northern lakes). Release cold-water species under stress. Check local slot limits.
State fish and wildlife agencies are chronically underfunded. Support Recovering America's Wildlife Act, the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, and state habitat stamp programs.