Kimsquit Bay Lodge

Breathtaking wilderness is how one might view the surroundings. From your flight in via a floatplane, either over the mountains or winding your way beneath the clouds along the Dean channel, you cannot fail to be entranced by the backdrop. The snow and glacier covered peaks drop almost vertically downwards, thousands of feet, and yet somehow pine trees cling precariously to these slopes.

If the surroundings are a distraction and they certainly are the fish, which run the river, are legendary. What makes separates the Dean from other similar rivers is a narrow and fearsome gorge, which is impassible by fish until the river subsides somewhat in mid-summer. Even then it prevents all but the strongest fish from ascending to the upper river and quite possibly this has led to a genetic strain of Chinook Salmon, (Kings) and Steelhead which are almost unstoppable. Whilst the Steelhead may be the most sort after trophy fish on the Dean, the Chinook salmon are probably indicative of the power that both fish have. Quite simply it is a rare feat to land a Chinook of over 20lbs, on a fly rod. Not that they do not exist; fish of 40 lbs and above are present, but simply they have a habit of disappearing in the direction they came equipped with your fly, line and backing!

Moving into July and August the focus shifts from the Kings to the Steelhead which will now be running the rapids and rest in the pools above the falls prior to running the rest of the river. This is a much more intimate part of the river and the Steelhead will readily take a dry fly skated along the surface.

From mid-August onwards the Dean enjoys a strong run of Coho.  Coho may not carry the prestige of Steelhead but be under absolutely no illusion that fresh-running Coho salmon, which are commonly caught ranging from 10-20lbs will put up a formidable fight in the fast running water of the Dean.

The Kimsquit river sits at the end of the Dean Channel that culminates in Kimsquit Bay.   Remote and wild, this river is an adventure in itself with strong runs of all the species of Pacific Salmon including Chinook, Chum and Coho (King, Dog and Silver salmon).  Unless you are a die-hard Steelhead fanatic, this is a river that should not be overlooked as the sport here can be outstanding as are the surroundings.   

Accessible via a 10 minute boat journey from the lodge it offers both a very different fishing environment as well as amazing fishing. 

Kimsquit Bay Lodge has been transformed under the ownership of Jeff Hickman and his wife Kathryn.  They have recently combined Kimsquit with that of BC West and this had led to a fairly continuous pipeline of upgrades, the most recent culmination being exceptionally comfortable, newly built, twin double-bed cabins.  Complete with private bathrooms, balconies and all within reach of the starlink wi-fi they are as comfortable as you could ever wish for in a location that is this far off-grid from regular supplies via a road link.

The lodge is tucked into the shoreline overlooking Kimsquit Bay.  The view from the lodge and all the guest cabins is amongst the very best of any fishing lodge that you will find.  Words will not do justice to the ever-changing vista, the light and wind playing on the water, the snow-capped peaks beyond and the associated wildlife which roams along the water-edge.

A hearty supply of great food is on hand with coffee delivered to your door in the morning, breakfast and evening meals at the lodge, and bankside lunches during the day.   There is a range of complimentary draft beer as well as wine provided with the evening meal.   Kimsquit Bay Lodge is an exceptionally well-run owner led operation where no detail has been over-looked and every thought is given to making anglers comfortable and well prepared for the daily activities.  

To get to the Dean anglers typically take an international flight to Vancouver where you then take a 1 hr 35 min connecting flight to Smithers. Guests typically require overnight accommodation at a hotel in Smithers prior to taking a floatplane to the lodge early the following day.

The Dean is considered one of the most prized Steelhead rivers in BC.  Spaces at Kimsquit Bay Lodge are very limited and to stand a good chance of fishing here you should consider placing your name on the waiting list 1 year or more prior to your trip.