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DEAN STEELHEAD PACKAGES
STEELHEAD FISHING LODGE ON THE DEAN RIVER
Are you looking for the ultimate BC steelhead fishing trip? The Dean River on BC’s central coast offers the most epic surroundings with some of the biggest steelhead and chinook salmon in British Columbia! These all-inclusive Dean fly fishing packages offer anglers the opportunity at swinging flies for chrome steelhead and chinook salmon from early June to late August each year. The uniqueness of this Dean River lodge is its location on the lower stretches of the river. This allows ultimate access to the lower Dean River and the combines guided and self-guided fishing.
LOCATION
The Dean River is located on BC's central coast. The closest community is in the Bella Coola valley.
PACKAGE DATES
Packages are offered from early June to late August each year. Packages are offered from Saturday to Saturday.
GETTING THERE
Fly from Vancouver to Bella Coola BC. Guests overnight in Bella Coola before taking a floatplane to the lodge early the following day.
INCLUSIONS
Packages included 6 days of fishing, 7 nights accommodation, meals, alcohol and air transport from Bella Coola.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The lodge offers comfortable accommodations with spacious lounge and dining area.
RATES
For a detailed list of available dates and the best possible pricing please contact us.
DEAN PROGRAM
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TRIP
The unique Dean River fishing program runs from late June to late August each year. This trip to BC’s central coast is really targeted towards experienced anglers, and combines fully-guided and self-guided fishing. It also offers fishing on the lower Dean River and the area above the Dean River ‘Falls’. It certainly is one of the most well-rounded programs on the entire river, giving you first shot at fish entering the system.
To get to the lodge you’ll fly from Vancouver to the small coastal community of Bella Coola. From there you’ll board a helicopter for the short hop into the valley and get settled in to the lodge. The sections of river near the lodge are broad runs that stretch right to estuary in the Dean Channel. In this lower section of river, fish are continually moving from the salt to their spawning grounds upriver- each run is constantly being replenished with hot fish, fresh from the ocean. Above the falls lies the classic ‘holding water’- a smaller, more intimate river that rewards classic techniques for targeting holding fish.
Solo anglers can be paired up with others for accommodations and guided days. As the seasons change so does the fishing, the early season dates are focused on Chinook (King) salmon while the middle dates offer combo fishing for chinooks and steelhead. Later season dates the focus is strictly on wild summer-run steelhead. Packages includes7 nights and 6 1/2 days of fishing on the Dean, meals, lodging, flies, beer and wine, Dean River Classified Waters licenses and a charter flight from Bella Coola to our lodge. Space is limited to 12 anglers per week, so if you’re interested in dates it is a good idea to contact us early.
DEAN RIVER LODGE
ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE DEAN
This classic steelhead lodge is nestled in the native coastal forest near the Dean delta. Neat landscaping and paths connect the group of buildings, and a footpath allows a beautiful 10-minute walk to the river. Guests sleep in comfortable, wood-heated cabins that all have running water and very comfortable beds. Several of our cabins house two anglers, and one cabin provides lodging for four anglers – perfect for a group of four that would like to ‘stick together’ during the week. The steelhead clubhouse provides a comfortable spot for relaxing, unwinding after a day’s fishing, and enjoying the meals.
The lodge program focuses on maximizing your time fishing the Dean River, and gives you access to the lower river and the first push of fish that come into the lower system. You will enjoy a half-day of fishing on arrival day, then six full days of Dean River fishing. This comprehensive program ensures you get the most out of your trip.
DEAN RIVER FISHING
KINGS & STEELHEAD
Dean River steelhead don’t fool around, they crush flies, they torch drags and they will bury you into your backing within a blink of an eye. This is a special run of fish, arguably the hardest fighting strain of steelhead found in British Columbia. If you’re looking for superstar steelhead, you’ll find them on the Dean. What makes Dean River steelhead so hot? Every Dean River steelhead has to navigate the Dean canyon – a narrow, steep section of river with strong flows. For a Dean River steelhead to successfully make it to spawn, they must travel through the canyon, creating a bread of strong resilient fish that are like no other on the British Columbia coast.
Half of your days you’re fishing with a guide below the canyon, and half of your days you’re fishing on your own above the canyon. On your unguided days you and a partner will fish together and always be in radio contact with the lodge. You need to be comfortable wading on your own and reading water. Although the Dean is best known for its steelhead fishing the chinook fishing is just as mind-blowing. If you’re looking for a big wild fish experience on the fly this is about as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world. From the beginning of June into early July our Dean River trips focus on fishing the wild chinook (king) salmon that enter the Dean on their migration home. From an angling standpoint, there are just a couple of ways in which Dean River chinook salmon are different from the river’s steelhead – they’re bigger, and they’re more powerful!
FAQ’S ABOUT FLY FISHING THE DEAN RIVER
ANSWERS TO YOUR FLY FISHING QUESTIONS
You want to plan your Dean steelhead trip with confidence. That’s why we’re here, our team of BC steelhead fishing experts are here to answer your questions. Here are some of the most common questions about this trip…
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH THE DEAN?
Early season (June into mid July) on the Dean is focused on fishing for chinook/king salmon. From mid July to early August you have the opportunity to catch both salmon and steelhead. August is focused on steelhead fishing.
HOW DO YOU GET TO THE DEAN RIVER?
The Dean River isn't easy to get to. It's a remote valley on BC's central coast. For the purpose of these lodge packages transportation from Bella Coola is included. There are daily flights from Vancouver to Bella Coola.
HOW MANY FISH CAN I EXPECT IN A DAY?
Generally on the Dean you'll have 1-3 chances at a fish on a decent day of swung fly fishing. Some days are harder than others and conditions obviously play a part in this scenario.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?
The season books fully every year. There is rarely open space, so if you're reading this send us an inquiry. We can let you know what is available or at the least get you on our preferred waitlist for the season.
SEE OUR BULKLEY RIVER PACKAGES |
CHECK OUT OUR SUPER FLEXIBLE SKEENA RIVER PACKAGES |
DEAN RIVER INQUIRY
START PLANNING YOUR BC STEELHEAD TRIP TODAY!
Contact the pro team at Chromer Sport Fishing about a Dean River steelhead adventure. We’ll send you more info, pricing and availability. You can also call us toll free 1-877-902-3393 or email us at chromersportfishing@gmail.com.