Why Fish the North Ram River?
The North Ram River is one of Alberta’s most breathtaking and rewarding trout fisheries, offering stunning scenery, cold, clear water, and exceptional dry fly action. Flowing through rugged canyons and remote wilderness, this freestone river is known for its wild West Slope Cutthroat Trout, which eagerly take dry flies throughout the season.
Key Features of the North Ram River:
The North Ram River is a high-elevation freestone stream, characterized by cold, fast-moving water, deep cutbanks, and canyon walls that create stunning fishing environments. This river is dominated by West Slope Cutthroat Trout, and can see considerable pressure during the summer months.
While bull trout become more common in the lower Ram system, the North Ram is almost exclusively a cutthroat fishery, making it a paradise for dry fly anglers. The river’s winding course through alpine terrain creates a mix of fast riffles, small waterfalls, and slow, glassy tailouts, providing varied fishing opportunities in a visually stunning setting.
Outdoor Activities:
The North Ram River region is a dream for backcountry adventurers, offering hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in addition to world-class fishing. The steep canyons and surrounding alpine forests are home to moose, bears, eagles, and bighorn sheep, making every trip into the valley a chance to experience true wilderness. The river’s secluded nature and stunning rock formations make it a prime spot for landscape photography and nature exploration.
Access:
The North Ram River can be accessed by the North Fork Road which parallels the middle sections. As to be expected, this easier access is appealing to most anglers looking for a quick day trip. There are multiple access points along this stretch, including a large opening off North Fork Road where there is typically a cattle grazing operation.
Fishing Tips for the North Ram River:
The North Ram is one of Alberta’s best dry fly rivers, with West Slope Cutthroat Trout actively rising throughout the season. These wild trout are aggressive surface feeders, making terrestrials, caddisflies, and attractor dries incredibly effective. The best dry fly patterns include Chubby Chernobyls, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and Hoppers.
Fishing is best from July through September, when hatches are consistent and water levels stabilize. While cutthroat in the North Ram are generally willing to eat, a stealthy approach is key, as the clear water and slow-moving pools make fish wary.
For those looking to fish deeper runs or pocket water, nymphing with Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and Stonefly patterns can be productive. However, the North Ram is primarily a dry fly river, and most anglers prefer matching the hatch over dredging the bottom.
A plea to all anglers who visit this incredible fishery—please pinch your barbs. The cutthroat trout in the North Ram are opportunistic feeders, striking at nearly anything that drifts past them from ice-off to freeze-up. Their aggressive nature makes them a joy to catch, but also highly vulnerable to overhandling and excessive pressure.
If you’ve fished the North Ram in recent years, you’ve likely noticed more fish with damaged mouths and worn-out fins. Despite our best efforts, the constant catch-and-release cycle is taking a toll, and without action, this pristine fishery could decline into something far less than what it once was.
The solution starts with us, the anglers. By using barbless hooks, keeping fish wet, and minimizing handling time, we can ensure that future generations get to experience the North Ram at its best. If we don’t take these steps now, this river—and its legendary cutthroat—will suffer the consequences.
Let’s do our part to keep the North Ram wild, healthy, and thriving.
Regulations:
This is a catch and release fishery.
Plan Your Adventure:
The North Ram River is a bucket-list destination for anglers who appreciate wild fish, solitude, and breathtaking scenery. With its aggressive cutthroat trout, crystal-clear waters, and remote access, this river is a true Alberta gem for those who seek an authentic backcountry fly-fishing experience. Whether you’re casting dries to eager cutthroats, hiking deep into canyons, or simply taking in the stunning surroundings, the North Ram River never disappoints.