Country Pleasures
100, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.
Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5N8
Phone: (403) 271-1016
Fax: (403) 271-5516
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Nicholas Dean Lodge
Experience the finest Steelhead and Salmon fishing Northwestern British Columbia has to offer...
A World Class Fishing Destination
Nestled in the majestic coastal mountains near Terrace, British Columbia, Canada, the mighty Skeena River and its tributaries form the major arteries that fork through stands of old growth forest and steep valley walls. It is in this river system that some of the strongest runs of large, wild steelhead and salmon left in the world return. 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 rivers year round. It is here that Nicholas Dean Lodge is strategically situated to provide anglers with the best in guided fishing adventures, fine dining, and five star accommodations.
The Experience
Imagine yourself airing out a long cast with your Spey rod on one of the Kalum River's best runs for trophy steelhead, or skating a dry fly across the tailout of a boulder-studded pool on the Copper River for its aggressive steelhead. Or, try tackling the giant chinook of the Skeena River, fish of over 60 lbs that can melt a reel with line spooling runs, or sight fishing for acrobatic Coho as they take your fly in a large swirl. All in the shadow of towering, snow capped mountains and untouched coastal rainforests, where bald eagles, grizzly bears and other wildlife still roam free. Savour the culinary delights provided by Alf Leslie, our exceptional chef, or share your day's stories over a glass of scotch with a few friends as you relax in the comfort of the lodge. At Nicholas Dean Lodge, these experiences are a reality.
A Diverse Fishery
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 throughout the Spring, Summer, Fall and early Winter seasons. In case one river is not fishable, there are many others to choose from. Our highly qualified angling guides know the Skeena, Kalum, Copper, Kitimat, Bell-Irving, Lower Skeena Tributaries, and Nass River Tributaries intimately, ensuring that you have the best chance possible at landing one of the many world record fish that migrate upriver each year. We also fish several remote coastal rivers for the ultimate in wilderness fishing. Places where there are no roads, no development. Only old growth forests, pristine, gin-clear rivers, and large, wild steelhead.
Numerous Packages
Because the Skeena and its tributaries receive such diverse runs of fish, we are able to offer a number of different packages to meet your fishing preferences and a variety of budgets. Spring Steelhead and Chinook, Trophy Chinook and Halibut, Summer Steelhead and Salmon, Fall Steelhead and Trophy Coho are but a small selection of the packages available at the lodge. 
A camp set up along the banks of the Skeena River provides anglers with a quality angling experience in the heart of the wilderness at a cheaper price. Day booking packages are available for anglers on a budget or those passing through Terrace briefly. Whether fly fishing or conventional fishing is your preferred fishing method, we have the ability to put together a truly unique fishing experience for you.
Just in case you or your significant other might want to do some non-fishing related activities on your trip, we can also set up any number of outdoor adventures. White water rafting on the Copper River, hiking the coastal BC mountains, sea kayaking, wildlife viewing, helicopter tours, and mountain biking are popular pursuits in the area and provide an exciting alternative to fishing in the summer months. Skiing and snowboarding at Shames Mountain or heli-skiing to remote mountain peaks are available during the winter months, as are extreme snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
A Lodge That Cares About the Small Details
At Nicholas Dean Lodge, we believe that a successful trip is measured by the small details that make up the whole experience, which is why we strive to ensure that every aspect of your trip is first class.
Pricing and Packages
Nicholas Dean Lodge is pleased to offer numerous fishing packages for each of the main seasons on the world-renowned Skeena River and its tributaries in 2011. Depending on the species and time of year, we can create an adventure package that is unique and meets your exacting specifications. To provide a customer-focused experience of the highest quality, we offer 5 day packages for up to 8-10 clients in the summer and no more than 6-8 in the spring and fall.
Spring Steelhead & Chinook
March 15 to May 21, 2011
Classic Northwest Steelheading at its best. We guide on many wild and scenic rivers ranging from small, not-to-be-named coastal rivers, to medium sized rivers like the Kalum and Copper for large, wild Steelhead. Adventure Steelhead - our newest program and the product of years of exploration, offers anglers the chance to target Steelhead up to and over 20 lbs in remote waters at the heart of the British Columbia wilderness. Quickly becoming a lodge favourite, this program is designed for the adventurous angler seeking a Steelhead trip that is quite literally off the beaten path. Mid way through the season, aggressive Spring Chinook begin to show and add an exciting dimension. We have very limited space during this popular season.
Chinook Fly Fishing
April 10 to August 6, 2011
Looking for big game fly fishing in freshwater? Like the challenge of hooking and landing big, sea-run fish? If so, we have just the package for you. The Skeena region offers the fly fisher prime opportunities to target chrome-bright, aggressive Chinook (King) Salmon in two seasons.
Trophy Chinook
July 3 to August 6, 2011
Trophy Chinook season in Northwestern British Columbia is when we do battle with the giants of the Skeena. The rivers are full of massive Chinook (King) Salmon, which average an astounding 20 to 50 pounds. Fish over 70 pounds are caught every year and there is even a chance at a Salmon over 100 pounds. These fish are fresh from the sea and in peak condition. They are chrome bright and extremely powerful. Expect sore arms and hot thumbs!
Skeena Camp Package
July 17 to September 10, 2011
Simply put, Northwestern British Columbia's Skeena River is the Steelhead and Salmon superhighway. In summer and fall the lower main channel Skeena hosts vast numbers of migrating Steelhead, Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Chums, and Pinks headed for numerous upriver tributaries. To take full advantage of this prolific fishery and offer a high-quality, high-value fishing adventure, Nicholas Dean Lodge has developed an on-river Skeena Camp package. Renowned rivers such as the Babine, Kispiox, Sustut, Bulkley, Morice, Copper (Zymoetz) and Kalum enter the Skeena above our camp and all fish bound for these rivers must pass directly in front of us before reaching their spawning grounds. Only a day or two out of the ocean, at the peak of their size, strength and beauty, these are among the biggest and most aggressive Steelhead and Salmon on Earth. To hook one of these fish on the fly in the broad, lower Skeena is to touch the heart of the wilderness - an experience not to be forgotten!
Summer Steelhead & Five Species of Pacific Salmon
July 31 to August 27, 2011
If you're after the ultimate Trout - the meanest, hottest, sea-lice covered, Monster Steelhead - you'll want to be on the lower Skeena and tributaries during this season. These awesome fish average 8 to 15 pounds, 20 pounds is not uncommon, and a world record catch is not beyond imagination. It's typical for even average fish to go on unstoppable runs, leaping all the way. These ultra-chrome rockets have left many an angler with shaking hands and wanting more.There is also the added bonus of being able to catch all five species of Pacific Salmon during this time.
Fall Steelhead & Trophy Coho
August 28 to November 3, 2011
This is the season that has made the Skeena justifiably famous. Fish wild rivers for huge, aggressive Steelhead. Our fall fish are surface-oriented and can readily be taken with waking and dry flies. Skeena Coho (Silver) average 10 pounds, commonly reach 20 pounds, and world record 30-plus fish are always present. We fish some of the most beautiful wilderness rivers in the world. Towering, snow-capped mountains rising over 3000 feet above meandering streams surrounded in the orange, red and green of British Columbia's coastal autumn make for an experience that you'll never forget. It doesn't get any better!
Early Winter Steelhead
November 2 to 19, 2011
This is indeed a special season, a season of legendary fish and legendary anglers. Non-steelheaders think it's insane to step out into a frost-covered morning and wade into a freezing, wild river. We know better though. We know pools full of large, Wild Steelhead awaiting any angler brave enough and prepared to face the elements. A few casts. A solid strike. A savage battle and it all comes together as you look down on the shimmering, broad shoulders of a large buck Steelhead in the shallow water at your feet. If this is what you live for, our Early Winter Steelhead season is for you.
Helicopter Fishing Options
April 10 to November 19, 2011
Nicholas Dean Lodge offers many unique helicopter fishing options for the adventure-minded angler. Helicopters allow the opportunity to fish untouched expanses of spectacular wilderness rivers that teem with Trophy Steelhead and Salmon.
For package pricing please fill out the form to the right or contact us by phone (403) 271-1016 or by e-mail.