June 28 – July 5, 2024
Dean River Steelhead & Chinook
at BC West
with host Jeff Bright
IN THE WORLD OF STEELHEAD AND SALMON FISHING, the Dean River occupies hallowed territory. Its roadless location on the Central British Columbia coast, its precipitous mountain architecture, its glacially influenced flows, and especially the physical character of its summer steelhead and salmon, have instilled the river with a nearly mythic aura. At the heart of the Dean's reputation is a unique geological feature — a narrow, boulder-crammed canyon just over a mile from its mouth where river's full flow drops 500 feet over a quarter mile. Nearly every steelhead or chinook that spawns in the river must ascend and survive this thundering cataract. Meaning the Dean's fish are genetically predisposed for power, speed, and resilience. On the end of a fly line this translates to high-adrenaline excitement!
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Target rivers: Dean River
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Group size: 8 anglers, including host; 2 anglers per guide; total program capacity 8 anglers
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Accommodations: Double occupancy with private bath, wifi
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2024 rate: 9843 USD including charter flight from Smithers, BC direct to lodge and all taxes
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Includes: 3 days guided fishing below the canyon, 3 days unguided fishing above, 7 nights accommodation, all meals
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Not included: Round trip travel to Smithers BC, licensing, gratuities
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Availability: 1–2 rods
BC West
From 2007 through 2014, a week on the lower Dean at Blackwell's Dean River Lodge was an annual highlight on the Steelhead Flyfisher travel calendar. Blackwell's became Kimsquit Bay Lodge and the ownership change put our opportunity on hold. The situation has changed in recent years and a chance to return, this time at BC West, is on the table ... Located less than a mile from the river's mouth, BC West offers guests the chance to pursue the Dean's super hot fish in their prime in a split-week program. Guests fish three days guided below the canyon targeting moving fish directly off the tides and three days unguided above the canyon in classic holding water. In short, BC West provides casual, comfortable accommodations and unique access to the Dean's extraordinary steelhead and chinook in the river's lower five miles.
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