"If any of you are even thinking about steelhead fishing in British Columbia, this trip will take you to what is, undoubtedly, the finest steelhead destination in the world. I’ve spent 23 seasons fishing the week of July 4-13 at Nakia Lodge (now BC West Lodge) and I can honestly say that Dean River steelhead are the hottest, meanest, nastiest steelhead on the planet. I have preached for years, ‘If you haven’t hooked a Lower Dean River steelhead fresh from the salt, you haven’t hooked a steelhead!’ I realize that is one bold and powerful statement, but I say it in good fun. Seriously though, there is a difference between Dean River steelhead and all other steelhead on the planet, and that difference is something that everyone who loves to cast a fly over magnificent fish should experience. Every angler I know who has returned from the Dean River is a changed angler. I have been fortunate enough to see the Dean through many seasons and it is now time for me to pass the torch to one of my guides, Evan Unti, to host a new group of guys on this magical steelhead river. Although I will not be on the Dean trip this year, I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the Dean.” John Hazel
The Dean River is world-renowned for producing the hottest steelhead on the face of the planet in a remote wilderness setting. Nestled in between 8000ft. peaks, the Dean River has some of the most unbelievable scenery of any steelhead river in the world. The granite mountainsides climb high above the flood plain to snow capped peaks while rushing waterfalls plunge several thousand vertical feet to the valley floor. Stunning old growth rain forests line the river banks with classic Pacific Northwest undergrowth. The Dean is a true wilderness experience.
Combine the inspiring scenery with a chrome bright steelhead fresh from the ocean that tests every bit of your gear and fish fighting ability and you truly are in steelhead paradise. The sheer power of a Dean River steelhead will leave you stunned and reconsidering what enough backing means as it proceeds to run several hundred yards and repeatedly leap 5 to 7 feet in the air.
The trip will be based out of BC West lodge that is located on the lower Dean River- a legendary spot facing the Dean Channel, tucked into the shadow of Kimsquit Peak and within earshot of the Dean River canyon. Guests sleep in comfortable, wood-heated cabins nestled in an old growth forest. There is a clubhouse that provides a comfortable spot for relaxing and unwinding after a day's fishing, and for enjoying the evening meal. In addition, there is a drying room that provides a place to hang waders and raincoats with a shower room located right next door.
Meals are absolutely stunning: combining fresh local ingredients, careful expert preparation, creative presentation, and a great selection of wines. The lodge guests repeatedly express their appreciation and admiration for the food that is without peer in the world of destination fishing.
The trip includes 7 days of fishing combining fully-guided and self-guided fishing, as well as fishing both above and below the notorious Dean River waterfalls, better known as simply, the 'falls'. In fact, BC West is the only lodge on the Dean River that has access to both the lower and upper river which provides guests maximum opportunity to run into these impressive fish.
Below the falls, guests are guided from jet boats and fish long, broad runs that stretch literally to the mouth of the river at the ocean. 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 sea-lice covered fish, fresh from the ocean. Above the falls guests go un-guided using ATV’s to access many classic runs on a smaller, more intimate river that rewards classic fishing techniques for targeting holding steelhead. There are several boats strategically placed to allow guests to row across and access the opposite bank.
Evan is hosting the first week of July which offers anglers an opportunity to chase the front half of the steelhead run with arguably the hottest fish of the season. These fish come in waves which often produces mind-blowing angling experiences with multiple hook-ups in the same run. There are also fish in the upper river at this time of year that are so fresh they are still covered in sea-lice. In addition to steelhead, large chrome bright spring Chinook are also moving into the river and will provide anglers with plenty of action in between steelhead. The spring Chinook on the Dean are regarded by many anglers to be the hottest freshwater fish on the face of the planet. These fish grab and run hard and make astonishing leaps which is very unique for Chinook salmon.
If you are ready to experience the best steelhead river in the world give the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop a call now to reserve a spot (541)395-0995. Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
"If any of you are even thinking about steelhead fishing in British Columbia, this trip will take you to what is, undoubtedly, the finest steelhead destination in the world. I’ve spent 23 seasons fishing the week of July 4-13 at Nakia Lodge (now BC West Lodge) and I can honestly say that Dean River steelhead are the hottest, meanest, nastiest steelhead on the planet. I have preached for years, ‘If you haven’t hooked a Lower Dean River steelhead fresh from the salt, you haven’t hooked a steelhead!’ I realize that is one bold and powerful statement, but I say it in good fun. Seriously though, there is a difference between Dean River steelhead and all other steelhead on the planet, and that difference is something that everyone who loves to cast a fly over magnificent fish should experience. Every angler I know who has returned from the Dean River is a changed angler. I have been fortunate enough to see the Dean through many seasons and it is now time for me to pass the torch to one of my guides, Evan Unti, to host a new group of guys on this magical steelhead river. Although I will not be on the Dean trip this year, I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the Dean.” John Hazel 
