THE SOUTH RAM

The South Ram River is one of the most spectacular mountain streams you'll find anywhere. From its source at a small meadow lake at Ram Glacier to its cnfluence with the North Ram, it's a wonderful journey of crashing waterfalls, spectacular valleys and a 30-mile canyon. Much of the lower Ram is deep canyon and accessible only by some hairy hiking or by helicopter.But it's worth it, as the chances are you'll have some wonderful stretches of cutthroat water all to yourself. Above the falls, access is a little easier but the best experience might be to try one of the outfitters who'll take you on horseback from Hummingbird Creek up through the meadows of the upper South Ram, above Ram Falls.Cutthroat 26 inches or better are not uncommon on the remoter stretches of the South Ram, and 100 fish days can be expected when the mayflies are hatching or when the golden stones are on the water at the same time as the hoppers. The Ram River system doesn't open until June 16, and this year the South Ram is catch and release only from the Forestry Trunk Road to where Fall Creek flows in below the confluence of the North and South Rams. These long-overdue changes are largely due to the work of guide Dave Jensen, who formed the Friends of the Ram River and organized a petition to protect this fragile ecosystem. It's still a work in progress as logging companies move in on the upper reaches of several creeks in the area.Also worth checking out is the Bighorn River, west toward the Jasper National Park boundary and arguably the most spectacular in the area. Crescent Falls is a popular stop for tourists, but it's also a great spot for the fly angler.The cutthroat rarely get bigger than 15 inches here, but the mountain setting is superb. Access is easier above the falls, but you're likely to catch more fish in the deep canyon below, if you can make it down there.