Prolonged and intense drought as a result of climate change is becoming a more frequent occurrence in many parts of the world with varying impacts to freshwater and marine fisheries resources.  Coupled with increased human water demands reservoir, river, and estuarine systems face unprecedented drought-induced stress including reduced instream flows and freshwater inflows, reduced or fluctuating water levels, and altered water quality.  Addressing these ecological issues however will need to occur in consideration of human water needs.  Sustaining aquatic resources while balancing human need is challenging and innovative solutions are needed to maintain ecosystem and species health until the rains come again.  Critical discussions that encompass water rights, other sector water needs (agricultural, power, municipal, etc.), and efforts to coordinate multifaceted water management plans are needed.   Whether you are in drought conditions now, recovering from the last dry spell, or waiting for the next one there is much to learn about how fisheries managers might mitigate for these conditions.  This symposium will draw from the experiences and examples of those involved in managing freshwater and estuarine fisheries, and water resources while attempting to bridge the gap between ecological and anthropogenic water needs.  Primary aims are to provide examples of how fisheries scientists can more effectively navigate through droughts to make the best out of these difficult and complex situations and provide a platform for discussion of future water allocation challenges and how to reach collaborative solutions.