The heat wave this summer and exceptionally low water levels have combined to leave some Alberta rivers dry or so warm that trout and other aquatic species are struggling to survive.
Trout require cold water to breathe.
Historically, the glaciers of the Rockies helped provide some insurance against drought, adding additional cold water in dry years.
Over the past 25 years, many smaller glaciers have disappeared completely and many of the larger ones have lost considerable volume.
In the past the Athabasca Glacier held snow until July before ice melt began, this year, that snow was gone in April.
Trout Unlimited Canada is now working on stream-side habitat projects, planting trees that will help hold water for longer, as well as creating beaver habitats in the hopes of bringing back the network of natural dams that once existed.
The province has emergency time-of-day fishing restrictions in place now to help ease the strain on the fish.
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