British Columbia – Nicholas Dean Lodge

An outstanding fishing lodge, reasonably priced, with access to over 50 rivers and lakes in the lower Skeena region

Nicholas Dean Lodge has access to over 50 of the best rivers and lakes in the Lower Skeena region and the near shore Pacific Ocean. Although guests will only be able to fish a fraction of the available water during a typical holiday, you will have unparalleled opportunities to fish in the style that you prefer, for the species that you wish to catch in the best available rivers to suit the local conditions. If the options seem bewildering to the outsider, rest assured: the team of highly qualified and knowledgeable guides will make sure you are fishing the best beats available.

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Nicholas Dean Lodge-One of many tranquil and secluded rivers to fish.

Location & Environment

Nicholas Dean Lodge is nestled amongst the majestic coastal mountains near Terrace in British Columbia. The mighty Skeena River and its tributaries form the major arteries which fork through expanses of old growth forest and steep valley walls, making for spectacular backdrops. Nicholas Dean Lodge is strategically positioned, allowing anglers to take full advantage of the Skeena system that boasts some of the world’s strongest runs of large wild steelhead and salmon. Each year, steelhead, chinook (kings), coho (silvers), sockeye, pink, and chum salmon ascend the Lower Skeena from the Pacific Ocean and join the trophy trout and char that reside in these rivers all year round.

The Fishing

The fishing options at Nicholas Dean lodge are as wide and varied as the rivers that can be fished. The specific runs of fish are seasonal, but the variety is such that regardless of when you come there will always be the possibility of some exciting fishing. Many of the rivers are ideally suited for fly fishermen who want to wade: however should you prefer to fish from a boat or use spinning gear there are places and stretches to suit all requirements.

Skeena tributary Steelhead

Enjoying some warm summer fishing conditions

The Rivers

The rivers below are just a taste of the variety of waters that can be fished whilst staying at Nicholas Dean Lodge.

• Skeena River
  The Skeena is a huge broad flowing river which is fed by many famous tributaries which include the Babine, Bulkley, Copper, Kalum, Kispiox, Morice and Sustut amongst others. All the steelhead and salmon, headed for the tributaries, must pass through the lower part of the Skeena, where Nicholas Dean Lodge is located.
• Copper (Zymoetz) River
  The Copper River is a premier steelhead and chinook river that also has coho salmon, pink salmon, and bull trout. It fishes exceptionally well with the fly and is world-renowned as a dry fly steelhead stream. It is a mid-sized river with mainly a boulder cobble bottom with a few ledge rock pools.
• Kalum (Kitsumkalum) River
  The Kalum River is world-renowned for its huge chinook salmon which can tip the scales at over 100 pounds, not to mention the chance of catching equally large steelhead up to 40 pounds. It is a mid-sized river with a gravel cobble bottom and some boulder fields. It has many long sweeping runs ideally suited for swinging a fly on a long line. >
• Kitimat River
  The Kitimat is located very close to the ocean and is known for its productivity, in part due to the hatchery located on the lower end of the river. It is the perfect river for novice fly anglers to hone their skills on the unbelievably abundant chum and pink salmon runs.
• Nass Tributaries (Meziadin & Bell-Irving Rivers)
  Both are rivers that have a wide variety of ‘fishy’ characteristics but the Bell-Irving has the most fishable water with almost endless miles of gravel and classic swinging steelhead runs. The Nass tributaries are fished primarily in the autumn for steelhead.

Nicholas Dean Lodge

Nicholas Dean lodge dining room

Nicholas Dean Lodge

The lodge has been designed with comfort and practicality in mind for single anglers as well as pairs. There are a number of both single and double rooms available, all of which have en-suite bathrooms and showers. On cold days there is a hot tub and sauna to help you warm up, and on warm summer evenings you can enjoy a drink on the large porch whilst taking in the impressive mountain vistas and sunsets over the Skeena. Meals are prepared by a dedicated ‘Red Seal’ qualified Chef (official Canadian certification for highly trained chefs). You will dine on hearty meals including wild Salmon and Halibut straight from the ocean as well as home-baked breads, pastries and sumptuous desserts. Wash all of these down with a good selection of house wines and spirits are available from the bar or if you have a favourite tipple, you are welcome to bring your own.

Nicholas Dean Lodge-One of many tranquil and secluded rivers to fish.

Best Time To Go

The table below is indicative of what species you might expect to catch during the various seasons of the year.

Getting There

To get to Nicholas Dean Lodge guests typically fly to Vancouver and take a connecting flight to Terrace. You will be collected at Terrace and driven to the lodge in anticipation of your first days fishing the following morning.

A huge Skeena King

King Salmon & Steelhead fly collection

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to British Columbia, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.