The Dean is the most notable summer steelhead river in the world. The legendary fishing reputation is based on anglers experiences with the fish that swim off the tide into the first runs of the river. They are fresh, chrome, hard-bodied fish, bred to swim the canyon. In addition, there are King Salmon that can defy being landed and will leave you grumbling.

BC Wests' unique fishing program is targeted at experienced anglers, and combines fully-guided and self-guided fishing as well as fishing both above and below the Dean River falls. Below the falls, guests fish long, broad runs that stretch literally to the mouth of the river. 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 more intimate river that rewards classic swing techniques to target holding fish.

Fishing below the Canyon
Guests fishing below the Dean River canyon are transported from run to run by jet boat. Below the canyon, the Dean presents a mile and a half of big, beautiful, broad runs that provide an on ramp for fish exiting the saltwater of the Dean Channel, headed for the spawning grounds of the upper river. Most fish in the lower river are passing through, they are within a tide or two of the salt, and are not yet really holding. This provides a very unique angling opportunity: large runs with the flow and character of typical steelhead holding water, but with a constant supply of fish moving in and out of the run. Just made a pass through a 200-yard run? No problem, fish it again! It is likely that you will be showing your fly to a completely new set of chromers that have just moved in out of the salt. Lodge guests access the lower Dean using a custom 24-foot Dean River-style jet boat. This boat gives plenty of room for four guests plus guides, and does a great job accessing the sometimes shallow, rocky shoreline of the lower Dean. Depending on guest preference and guide availability, one or two guides accompany four guests on the lower river.

Fishing above the Canyon
Guests fishing above the canyon do so self-guided. At the beginning of the week, guests are given an orientation on the basic layout of the upper river. They are trained on the safe operation of the lodge’s 4-wheelers, and then turned loose to fish the upper river on their own. Each guest is issued a 4-wheeler, which is used to access the upper river via a network of trails on one side of the river. Once guests reach the section of river that they have chosen to fish, they leave their 4-wheeler and fish the river on foot.

In a couple of locations on the upper river, small 2-man boats are placed to allow access to the opposite side of the river. The water above the canyon consists of a variety of runs that are relatively easy to read and quite accessible on foot. Guests enjoy their time on the upper river, setting their own pace for fishing.
Guests sleep in comfortable, wood-heated cabins. The clubhouse provides a comfortable spot for relaxing, unwinding after a day’s fishing, and enjoying the evening meal. Meals combine fresh local ingredients, expert preparation, creative presentation and a great selection of wines. The drying room provides a place to hang waders and raincoats, and the showers are downright luxurious.

Guest Cabins
Guest cabins have running water, comfortable beds and wood heat. Several of the 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.

Main Lodge
The main lodge building includes the kitchen, dining room and housing for the management. The dining room has loads of natural light, and is the spot for breakfast and the main mid-day meal.

Clubhouse
A separate large cabin with a casual seating area, the clubhouse provides the main indoor lounge area at the lodge. Comfortable couches, a wood stove, fishing pictures and a fly tying area all greet guests upon entry into the clubhouse. In addition, a light evening meal is served in the clubhouse. It’s a room with character like no other, and the site of many a fish tale.

Shower House / Drying Room
Constructed in the summer of 2007, the combination shower house/drying room provides comfortable central shower facilities and a heated room to ensure that waders and raingear are dry the morning following a hard rain or a wade that got just a little too deep.

The Grounds
The lodge is tucked into the woods, so the grounds are made up of the native forest of coastal BC. Neat landscaping and paths connect the buildings, and a footpath allows a beautiful, peaceful 10-minute walk to the river.