The waters here are crystal clear, cold and inviting as they flow below towering mountain peaks and through dense forests. Cutthroat trout are found in many of these headwater streams and always seem eager to rise to a dry fly. Brook trout also inhabit some of these streams. Trout in these upper reaches are generally smaller than those found in more productive and nutrient rich waters further downstream. As these small streams leave the picturesque mountains and merge with other streams to form rivers, they flow through the equally stunning surroundings of the rolling foothills and ranching country on their way toward the open prairie.
Rainbows are the predominant species found in southern Alberta's trout streams.
Brown trout are present in a number of rivers including the Bow, Oldman below the dam, Crowsnest downstream of Lundbreck Falls and Waterton. Bull trout, Alberta's provincial fish emblem, can also be caught in some of these streams. Rocky Mountain whitefish are present throughout the area. Excellent hatches of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies and midges occur on all of these flowing waters and provide good nymph and dry fly fishing throughout the summer months. Terrestrials such as hoppers, ants, beetles and crickets are also an important food source for trout.