Intro | South Ram River | North Ram River

Brother to the South Ram in name only, the North Ram River runs through a wide valley but is home to cutthroat trout as large as those of the South Ram. This river resembles the South Ram's headwaters, as it meanders through the valley under log jams, undercut banks, pools, riffles, and runs—all providing good holding water. Primary tributaries of the North Ram are Joyce, Cripple, Nice, and Pinto Creeks, all of which the cutthroat use as spawning grounds.

This river was designated as catch-and-release in 1982 due to increasing fishing pressure and habitat alteration due to several years of high water. It was one of Alberta's first experiments with a catch-and-release fishery, and the biomass is now considered stable, producing trout averaging 13 to 15 inches long with exceptional fish 20 to 24 inches long.

The North Ram River (top) was one of Alberta's first experiments with year-round catch-and-release fishing regulations. Ram River westslope cutthroat trout (above) average 13 to 15 inches long with 20-inch fish a realistic possibility.

One of the drawing features to the North Ram River is the sight fishing in the summer months during low water. You can often spot large cutthroat trout on the river bottom, holding behind structure, taking nymphs or coming to the surface for dry flies. It is an amazing event to witness, watching large cutthroat trout feed for 10 to 15 minutes before casting to it. As long as you don't spook the trout, it will rarely refuse a reasonable fly pattern of any type.

Ram River Flies Elk-hair Caddis (#10-14), Stimulators (#6-10), Parachute Adams (#12-18), and Lime Trudes (#10-12) cover most aquatic insect hatches. Black ants (#16), foam beetles (#12-14), and grasshopper imitations such as #4-8 Dave's Hopper or Letort Hopper are also a good idea in July, August, and September. If water conditions are normal, wet flies such as streamers and nymphs are rarely required but some anglers catch trout using a bead-head Prince, Pheasant Tail, or Hare's Ear as a dropper below their dry fly.

The river is generally shallow, with many places to cross less than one or two feet deep. The open valley means easy walking between pools and runs, and most of these are accessed by a trail that follows the river from the Forestry Trunk Road to the confluence of the South Ram River. Undercut banks, log jams, pools, riffles, and runs are the main habitat features on this river. These features make for some great dry fly action as drifts over submerged logs or beside undercut banks make for anxious moments as the largest fish on this river are known to come out of some of the tightest quarters. Most runs and pools are a pleasure to cast to, some are challenging, but all are home to the beautiful westslope cutthroat trout.

The North Ram River is a perfect river for fly fishers who simply wish to have a relaxing day on the river in peaceful scenery casting to rising trout. The drive in to the North Ram is spectacular, crossing several streams and creeks along the way, all the while looking out over valleys of virgin foothill lodgepole pine forests. Be sure to include a brief stop at spectacular Ram Falls on the South Ram River for a quick photo session at the falls viewpoint looking out into the canyon and river far below.

Access to the North Ram River is from the Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 732) 27 kilometers south of Nordegg. The entire river lies in the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve. Camping is available at the North Ram River Provincial Recreation Area campground. [The North Ram River Provincial Recreation Area campground is expected to be closed during the summer of 2006 due to extensive flooding during the 2005 season. The Editor.]