Red's Fly Shop | Fly Shop

"The words 'fishing the Dean', in my book, are a misguided understatement. This is one of the most beautiful areas on this planet, and fishing is only one reason to see it yourself. In fact, this definitely belongs on that list you keep of “things to do before I die”. It is a legendary river, and has been carefully managed for years to keep it breathtaking in every way. The Chinook, or “Springers” show up first, and will take you into your backing and straighten your hooks….that is, if you tied good knots! The Steelhead are soon to follow, and are bright and beautiful, and as aggressive as they come. They will take skating dry flies and there is NOTHING more exciting than working a steelhead that boiled on your fly. Your heart feels like it’ll bust out of your chest and your knees shake, but you have to keep your cool…take your time…and plan which fly you’ll skate over him next."

Anthony Robins
Red's Fly Shop

Dean River B.C.

World Class Steelhead

While the Smith River could be the most scenic fly fishing trip in the lower 48 states, the Dean River may be the most scenic destination in North America. There are a handful of places in the world that are a “must see” for big game – and the Dean River is right near the top of that list! Set amidst some of the most spectacular mountain peaks you may ever lay eyes on, this river gets a run of Steelhead and Chinook that are so bright it is hard to tell them apart when you first hook into one of them! While it is friendly enough that it can be fished with a single handed rod, it is very well built for covering it with a 2 hander. The fish of the Dean River are simply in a league of their own when it comes to the take and the pull thereafter.

A 25 pound Chinook or a Steelhead in the upper teens is a fish you will remember for the rest of your life. The Steelhead that push up the Dean are well known for their willingness to eat a waking dry fly, which is something many anglers never get the opportunity to experience.

Below the falls, you will 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 smaller, more intimate river that rewards classic techniques for targeting holding fish.

A Special Trip

This river is not easy to access and is controlled at every turn by licensing and permits. You don’t just pack up and go “fish the Dean”. It requires a commitment, planning, and yes, some cash. If that makes you wince, just think of how your kids might spend that after you’re no longer with the living!

Expectations

There will undoubtedly be days that you will not hook a single fish, but all of those will be quickly forgotten on the days when you might hook three or more!
Whether you hook one fish in a day or one fish in a week, you will never forget the majesty of the Dean River and the wild fish that call it home.

Cost

Between $5820 and $6560 per week, depending on the week. That price includes 7 nights and 6 days of fishing on the Dean, meals, lodging, flies, beer and wine, and also includes BC angling fees, GST, and a charter flight from Campbell River to the lodge. Additional costs include travel to and from Campbell River and any gratuities.

Reservations

Contact Tony Robins at 425-890-6013. Tony has had the privilege of fishing this spectacular fishery each of the past 4 seasons and looks forward to spending many more days here in the years ahead!