In its meandering, the river has left sloping benches high and dry above its course. Some of them support agriculture. From Spences Bridge to Kamloops, the TCH remains in or close to the Bunchgrass Zone, which supports only light grazing before grass deteriorates to sagebrush. But to bring the land to life, just add water. Bright green patches splash across the valley, indicating water at work. The cattle this vegetation will feed are not so easily seen, for they wander across the vast hinterland for much of the year. The number of cattle that can be overwintered is directly proportional to the amount of hay produced, and is hence dependent on the amount of water available. The Highland Valley Copper Mine draws water from the Thompson at a pumping station 12 kilometres east of Spences Bridge. Wells, pumps and diverted streams reduce summer flows by 50 percent or more in some streams, posing yet another problem for Thompson salmon.

For much of the route between Hope and its departure from the TCH at Lytton, the Fraser is difficult to see and to reach. Yet every vantage point of rock or beach along this turbulent stretch of water has long been a traditional fishing spot for aboriginal peoples. Carbon dating of artifacts indicates a history of more than 9,000 years of fishing in this area. Sto:lo people fish below Spuzzum; the Nlaka'pamux fish above. They set short lengths of gill net along the edge of the swirling current or use long-handled dip nets to scoop up the salmon as they leap. The main prize is the sockeye. The flesh of the salmon is etched with crosscuts, then hung on racks to dry in the canyon's parched summer winds --as early as possible, before the wasps and the flies can take their share. You may be able to spot some drying racks from the highway between Spuzzum and Boston Bar.