OVERVIEW

When it comes to steelhead, every angler we know trembles at the mere mention of the Dean River.  It is steeped in history, tradition and factual tales of massive steelhead.  BC West is a remote fly fishing lodge located on the lower Dean River - a legendary spot at the end of the Dean Channel, tucked in the shadow of Kimsquit Peak and within earshot of the Dean River canyon. Anglers here chase the hottest fish around-- steelhead of superstar status and chinooks that will make you think twice about testing your arbor knot.  Another “bucket-list” destination for any angler looking to learn or challenge themselves against the strongest salmonoids on the planet.

FISHING

Fishing days are long at BC West! We fish a two-shift day that maximizes fishing time during low-light hours and provides a nice break in the middle of the day.

Fishing here can be a mix of guided and self-guided.  Above the canyon, anglers are usually self-guided. Access to the upper section is managed by use of four-wheelers and give the anglers plenty of opportunities to do it themselves.  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 since all are experienced in fishing for anadromous fish—this is an excellent combination with the guided fishing on the lower river. 

Guests fishing below the Dean River canyon are transported from run to run by jet boat. Fishing time is a mix of closely-guided (guide standing near the guest as they fish through a run) and relatively unguided (guide within 1 1⁄2 miles of guests on the river; communication via handheld radio).

The Dean below the Canyon 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 Dean. Most fish in the lower Dean are passing through—they’re within a tide or two of the salt, and are not yet truly ‘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.

TARGET SPECIES

Fresh Steelhead and King Salmon

ACCOMmODATIONS

Guest Cabins

Guests stay in comfortable rustic cabins with 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 our 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, light evening meals are served in the clubhouse. It’s a room with character like no other, and the site of many a fish tale.

CAPACITY

8 anglers are the fortunate ones

LENGTH OF STAY AND RATES (2011)

Saturday to Saturday stays are the norm.  7 nights lodging and 6 days of fishing.  Rates vary from $4600 to $6500 depending on the week.  Contact Sporting Life for rates and details.

*Sporting Life Adventure Travel services are always FREE to our clients.  Our clients never pay more with us than booking directly with the destination lodge or outfitter.  We’ll help reduce your stress!

SEASON

June through August.  This is when the big bruisers are in the river!

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED

Custom 24-foot Dean River-style aluminum jet boats.  All clients should bring their own gear.

Most guests use double-hand rods, although single hand is common as well. 

HOW TO GET THERE

Guests travel to BC West via Vancouver and Bella Coola, BC. Many major airlines serve Vancouver, and guests from the Pacific Northwest may also choose to drive to Vancouver.

From Vancouver, guests fly on Pacific Coastal Airlines. Flight times vary from week to week. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for their travel to Bella Coola with Pacific Coastal.

Some guests will spend the night in Bella Coola prior to their trip to the Dean. For these guests, we arrange and pay for double-occupancy lodging at the Bella Coola Valley Inn.

The final leg of the trip to BC West is a charter flight from Bella Coola to the mouth of the Dean. The price of this charter flight is included in the cost of the trip to BC West. They utilize two aircraft for this final leg—a Eurocopter A Star helicopter, and a Cessna 185 on floats. The pilots for both aircraft are extremely skilled and have extensive experience flying in the area surrounding the Dean River.

The flight from Bella Coola to the Dean goes essentially straight through the mountains on a clear weather day. On days with a lower ceiling, the flights will follow the ocean channel. To say the scenery between Bella Coola and the Dean is spectacular is putting it mildly!

On arrival at the Dean, guests and luggage are loaded into trucks for the very short drive from the airstrip to BC West. Guests unpack, have a quick meal, and have the opportunity to get a few hours of fishing in on the arrival day.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

This is really not a destination for anything other than hooking and landing giant anadromous fish. 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL

A vaild passport is required for entry into Canada for all US citizens. Citizens of all other countries require a passport, and some nationalities may require an entry visa.  Please contact Sporting Life for any assistance. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED & WHAT’S NOT

All meals, guides, lodging and local transfers are included.  Some guests may require an overnight stay in Bella Coola.  These double rooms are covered in your trip cost if overnight lodging is required prior to your arrival into camp.  Chartered air service is included in your package price.  Beer and wine are included in our standard package at BC West. Red and white wine are served with meals. Beer, mixers and soft drinks are always available in the refrigerator in their clubhouse. Liquor is not provided. Guests are welcome to bring along any alcohol that they prefer.  Gratuities are not included.  Wide angle lenses to capture your picture of gigantic fish are also not included.

DEPOSITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

www.sportinglifetravel.com

1-877-611-SLAT (7528)