Elevated water temperatures in summer can kill trout, salmon and the food they eat. High temperatures are sometimes lethal for fish. The eastern end of the state is characterized by open country interspersed with forested lands. Prior to logging and grazing along rivers and streams, vegetation shaded the running waters. The streamside vegetation is gone, channels are wider and shallower, with more sun hitting the water surface.
Temperatures are high, and such conditions can be tough on the fish.
Ultimately they will be gone if we don't do something. When migrating chum and silver salmon become grounded in shallow tidal waters during their spring runs, foxes rush in to take advantage. A mature salmon is too heavy for a fox to lift, so the wily predator will pull the fish onto a sandbar, then kill it and break it into small pieces to carry back to the den. Copyright 1997 National Wildlife Federation. All rights reserved.