SEATTLE — Hot weather and decreasing water levels have heightened concerns about the fish population in Skagit County.
KING-TV reported river levels are lower than normal and streams are drying up much earlier this season.
The Skagit River is home to five species of salmon and is expected to set record lows this year. Reed Creek and Hansen Creek, where salmon mature, are drying up faster than usual.
The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe is working to address the drought issues because they rely heavily on the fish. They have put an outdoor water restriction in place for this summer and have been rescuing stranded fish.
Skagit County Water Quality analyst Rick Haley says creeks should be 6-to-12 inches this time of year. He says rain would help.
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