BC West

BC West is located near the mouth of the Dean River in British Columbia which is legendary for its world class steelhead and king salmon fishing. 

Tailored for experienced anglers

The fishing programme here is targeted towards experienced anglers, and combines fully-guided and self-guided fishing, as well as fishing both above and below the Dean River falls.

Below the falls, guests fish long, broad runs that stretch 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.

Fishing days are long at BC West. The two-session day maximizes fishing time during low-light hours and provides a nice break in the middle of the day. The schedule is designed to have guests on the water right around sunrise, so depending on the time of year a light breakfast starts between 0500 and 0530.

The morning fishing session runs from sunrise until roughly 1130. After this session, guests return to the lodge for lunch. The break between the fishing shifts lasts until about 1600. Guests use this opportunity to relax after their meal, work on their gear and often, wisely, have a siesta. At 1600 guests head back out onto the river for the evening fishing session that runs until just before dusk. Guests return to the lodge for the evening meal served at 1930 in the clubhouse.

nestled in the woods

The operation is nestled in the woods of the Dean River delta. There are stunning views of Kimsquit peak  from the courtyard, and accessing the Dean itself requires just a 10-minute walk through the trees.

the lodge accommodates a maximum of eight guests who sleep in comfortable, wood-heated cabins. The central clubhouse provides a great spot for relaxing after a day’s fishing, and enjoying the evening meal. The drying room provides a place to hang waders and raincoats, and the showers are luxurious. Meals combine fresh local ingredients and a great selection of wines.

“Lower Dean River and BC West is one special place, steelhead and bright chinook salmon in abundance, great lodge in beautiful surroundings. On our recent trip we were rewarded with a 8/15 fish day Wednesday, 5/7 Thursday and a 10/12 day Friday on the upper river. Definitely returning next year.” A.S. – UK 

a legendary fishing spot

BC West is located on the lower Dean River – a legendary spot facing the Dean Channel, tucked in the shadow of Kimsquit Peak and within earshot of the Dean River canyon. Considered by many to be the premier steelhead river in British Columbia.

The mouth of the Dean is roughly 135 miles NNE from the north end of Vancouver Island, near the end of the Dean Channel which brings saltwater more than 90 miles from open ocean. The Dean is accessible only by boat, float plane or helicopter. The surroundings are classic wild coastal British Columbia; big trees, beautiful glaciers, bald eagles, grizzly bears and of course incredibly beautiful rivers.