Prime B.C. Steelhead and Salmon...
Nicholas Dean Lodge resides in the Lower Skeena region of northwestern British Columbia. Located near Terrace, the lodge is situated in the heartland of world-class Steelhead and Salmon fly fishing. The immense Skeena River is notably coined the “Superhighway of Anadromous Species.” Even more, a first glimpse of the region's scenery is often met with the breathtaking grandeur of snow-capped mountains and towering evergreens ... the perfect backdrop for the pursuit of anadromous species - chrome bright Steelhead and Salmon.
The hallmark of Nicholas Dean Lodge is that they have access to numerous rivers, lakes, and saltwater estuary fisheries. This variety also provides excellent opportunities to fly fish for Coastal Cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Bull Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Since this region is located in the coastal rainforest, the moderate temperature and weather can provide up to 7 months of prime fly fishing each year. Spring, Summer, or Fall fly fishing for world-class Steelhead and Salmon... and yes, a world record could be hooked on your trip! FISH ON!!!
Detailed Trip Information
Fishing Summary
Guests at Nicholas Dean Lodge have access to numerous fisheries in Northwestern British Columbia - Skeena River, Skeena River tributaries, Nass River tributaries, remote coastal rivers, and saltwater estuaries. Most anglers pursue the world-class Steelhead and Salmon that migrate into these watersheds. Not to be overlooked is the excellent fly fishing for Coastal Cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Bull Trout, and Rainbow Trout that inhabit many of the local rivers, streams, and lakes.
The variety of species and fisheries is the hallmark of Nicholas Dean Lodge. This enables you and your guide to maximize your fishing opportunities by selecting watersheds based on weather and fishing conditions. The lodge utilizes their rafts, drift boats, or jet boats to access the best water on each fishery. Helicopter fly outs and ocean boat options are available as well (additional cost).
Fishing Tackle and Techniques
Nicholas Dean Lodge recommends the following tackle:
Single Handed Rods
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• 8 weight: Steelhead and Salmon (Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum)
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• 10+ weight: King Salmon
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• 6/7 weight: Trout and Dolly Varden
Two Handed / Spey Rods
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• 7-9 weight: Steelhead and Salmon (Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum)
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• 9-10 weight: King Salmon
A multi-tip fly line system is highly recommended for all rods - this enables anglers to adapt to different types of water and river conditions. Nicholas Dean Lodge recommends their custom designed and manufactured Descension Custom Sink-Tip System.
The predominant method of fly fishing that will be utilized is single, barbless fly swung on a tight line (“swing technique”). Depending on the river conditions, flies may be fished sunk, damp, skated, or dead drift dry fly.
The Lodge
Nicholas Dean utilizes the wonderful accommodations of Yellow Cedar Lodge. The lodge is first class, clean and very friendly, designed with clients in mind - they are confident that you will enjoy yourself for the duration of your trip. The lodge features a number of single and double bed rooms, each with ensuite washrooms and shower facilities for your comfort. Each room is furnished with comfortable beds, feather duvets and pillows, and closets, dressers and reading lights.
The main dining area in the lodge features two large cedar tables over a high, vaulted ceiling where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. Located beside the dining area is a full service bar, where you can sample house wines, sip on a glass of scotch, or exchange stories about the big one that got away. Above the dining area and bar is a lounge complete with comfortable leather sofas and a high definition television.
After a gourmet dinner, you might consider taking advantage of one of the lodge's many amenities. Both the hot tub and sauna are a great way to warm up after a day of wading in a cold river, and playing a game of darts or pool in the games room with friends is a popular pursuit. For those warm Summer nights, many guests enjoy sitting on the large wrap around porch with a cigar or two, while taking in the impressive mountains vistas and sunsets over the Skeena. A gym and equipment room is also available if you'd like to keep up with your workout routine while away from home.
The lodge has a heated mud and changing room where you will keep your fishing gear and clothing, and a fish house where some of your catch may be smoked and stored. Wireless internet is also available for the executive that needs connectivity to the office.
Alcohol
At Yellow Cedar Lodge, the main dining area and bar is licensed, and you can sample its select house wines and spirits provided over dinner, or late into the evening. If you prefer your own selection, whether it's that classic Scotch-on-the-rocks or a full bodied Cabernet, you are welcome to relax and enjoy your personal beverages in the lounge, games room, or on the porch as you look over the mighty Skeena River. You will pass by a Liquor and Beer store on your day of arrival, where you can purchase your favorite wine, beer, or spirits. At the lodge, there are also several fridges available for your use, where you can keep your beverages cool.
Smoking
The Lodge is a smoke free environment and is not allowed anywhere inside the lodge. They do provide outdoors lounge areas at the front and back of the lodge if you wish to smoke. The lodge appreciates your cooperation.
Meals & Beverages
You will enjoy the cooking of Red Seal Chef, Alf Leslie. Alf is a master chef who goes to great lengths in providing the best in fine dining. Using only the freshest ingredients, Alf makes home made breads and desserts, and prepares sumptuous meals including wild Salmon and Halibut from the Pacific Ocean.
To ensure that you are fueled up for a full day of fishing ahead, Alf prepares a hearty breakfast, including a combination of eggs, cereal, fresh fruit, toast, sausage, bacon, juice and coffee. For Lunch, you are welcome to take full advantage of the "lunch bar," as you customize that perfect lunch for on the river. A variety of meats and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, snacks, water and juice are available, as are thermoses of hot coffee or tea to go.
Dinners are always spectacular and it would be difficult to find better fine dining anywhere in northwest BC. Start with a homemade soup or salad, such as carrot and ginger soup with a fresh chive chantilly, or caramelized pear and asparagus salad. Then, you're on to the main course, which might be Pacific rim marinated wild Coho Salmon served with home made sweet potato ravioli in a cilantro cream sauce and baby bok choy, or char-grilled lamb chops in a rye whisky demi-glaze served with confit potatoes and char grilled vegetables.
To satisfy that sweet tooth, Alf might serve amaretto creme brulee, maple pecan pie with fresh whipped cream, or molten chocolate cake served with ruby port. After an adventurous day in the outdoors, most clients tend to work up quite a large appetite, and we know you will be very satisfied with Alf's meals and maybe a few pounds heavier when you leave.
Fishing Licenses/Stamps
A fishing license is required while fishing in British Columbia - licenses and stamps can be purchased at the lodge. Lodge staff will ensure that you have the proper licenses and stamps during your stay. The associated fees will vary depending on season and rivers fished during your stay (classified river licenses). Guests at Nicholas Dean Lodge can expect to pay between $125 - $200USD/week for licenses and stamps.
Gratuities for Guides and Lodge Staff
This is simply a recommendation, since many clients ask how much to tip the guides and lodge staff. Gratuities are encouraged, but the amount of the gratuity is solely up to you. The following is a recommendation:
Guide Gratuity:
$50 per day / per boat-guide (to be given at the end of each day of fishing)
$50 per day / per boat-guide (to be given at the end of each day of fishing)
Lodge Staff Gratuity:
$15-25 total per day (to be given at the end of your stay) - an envelope will be handed out to each guest. Staff members include lodge manager, cook, and housekeeper.
$15-25 total per day (to be given at the end of your stay) - an envelope will be handed out to each guest. Staff members include lodge manager, cook, and housekeeper.
How To Get to Nicholas Dean Lodge
From your location, you will need to fly to Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia. Most major US, European, and Canadian cities have direct flights to Vancouver. From Vancouver, you fly either Air Canada Jazz or Hawk Air direct to Terrace. A lodge representative will greet you at the airport and drive you to the lodge - about a 20 minute drive.
Required Travel Documents
• As of January 1, 2007, a current U.S. passport will be required for all United States citizens entering Canada. It is highly recommended that U.S. citizens present a passport that is valid for at least six months after the last day of the trip. If your passport expires before then, please renew it prior to departing on your trip.
• If you hold citizenship in a country other than the United States, please check with your national consulate / passport center for citizenship documents required for travel to Canada.
Lodge Package Details
Lodge Package: 5 days fishing / 6 nights lodging - most packages run from Sunday to Saturday. (NOTE: package rates are in Canadian dollars - payments made (deposit / final balance) are charged at the current exchange at the time of payment)
Inclusions: Guided fishing, lodging, meals, beverages (non-alcoholic), and transportation between lodge and Terrace, BC airport.
Exclusions: Airfare to Terrace-BC, fishing license/permits (about $125-$200/week), and gratuities.
Note: Please contact Angling On The Fly for current availability; customized packages are available upon request
Nicholas Dean Lodge Cancellation Policy
Deposit will be refunded less a $300.00 CAD cancellation fee if written notice of cancellation is received by Angling On The Fly at least 180 days (6 months) before the scheduled trip. No penalty will be assessed if the client has an immediate replacement at the time of cancellation. If written notice of cancellation is received less than 180 days (6 months) before the scheduled trip, the deposit will not be refunded, but if space is available your booking may be transferred to another later date in the same season less a $300.00 CAD rebooking fee. All deposits and final payments are only valid for the same calendar year (March 15 to November 15), after which all deposits and final payments are forfeit.
Angling On The Fly Terms & Conditions
A 50% deposit is due within 14 days of booking to secure reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to scheduled arrival date.
Refunds: A $150.00 USD processing fee (in addition to any lodge processing fees) will be deducted from all refunds. All refunds will be paid by check. If cancellation notice is received less than 180 days prior to the trip arrival date, no refunds will be issued.
Angling On The Fly acts only as agents for contractors or owners and outfitters, airlines, charter air, and ground transportation carriers or other services. Payment of funds for fishing and other Angling On The Fly trips shall be deemed acceptance and consent of the following conditions. Angling On The Fly or any of its affiliates or associated companies shall not be held liable for any loss or damages howsoever caused or arising from services provided by hotels or lodges, outfitters, guides, means of transportation or other services. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the traveling client at all times.
Seasons and Species Profile
