Yellow Cedar Lodge, located just outside Terrace in northern British Columbia, is a gateway to some of the finest fly fishing opportunities in freshwater. The lodge serves as a home base for Nicholas Dean Outfitters, whose guides offer unparalleled expertise on the Skeena River system and its tributaries. From the legendary Skeena itself to the pristine waters of the Kalum, Copper, and other classified rivers, this region is a fly angler’s dream. The lodge’s proximity to these diverse fisheries allows for daily access and the ability to plan around the changing conditions and species throughout the year. The main reason for this is the fact this area is a temperate rainforest. It rains… a lot.. and often this can blow out localised systems. If you are based in one of the systems you might well not see a fishable river in your week and it’s a long wat go for that to happen. Being based from the Terrace area means than many tributaries can be reached to give you many options in your fishing week. Over the years we have come to realise for our clients this is the safest option. It’s a very long way to go to get blown out.

Nicholas Dean Outfitters, British Columbia, Canada fly fishing, Aardvark McLeod

The other point than many overlook is that ALL the fish running up all these different river systems have to run up the main stem Skeena to get there. The main river can be intimidating as it is a big piece of water, but the thing to remember is that all the fish are running in the first 10 ft. they often say that if you have waded past your knees the fish are running behind you. I tend to use smaller rods on the main river and larger double handers to cover water on the smaller tributaries. The other thing about fishing the main river is that the fish are constantly running up past you, rather than being static in a lie in a pool like we are used to here. Therefore the traditional cast and step actually is less effective than finding a lie or pinch point and concentrating on it. I have had some of the best fish of my life here by doing just this, but for us UK anglers it can be difficult to come to terms with and a little dull as we like to move around. Fishing the tributaries such as the Copper, Kalum, Kasics is all more like we are used to. 

Nicholas Dean Outfitters, British Columbia, Canada fly fishing, Aardvark McLeod

Spring on the Skeena system is a special time, marked by the return of steelhead to the region’s rivers. These fish, fresh from the Pacific, are known for their strength and energy, making them a worthy challenge for fly anglers. Like our Atlantic salmon, steelhead fishing is not a numbers game and you have to work hard for it. When you do hit one though the battle is so different it beggars believe. They are an angry fish when hooked and battles are aerial and exciting. The big difference is that these rivers also have five species of salmon, so there are other species to keep you entertained while you search for steelhead. The Kalum River’s emerald-green waters provide stunning backdrops for chasing these elusive fish. Early-season fishing often means quieter rivers and the opportunity to experience a more solitary connection with the water and fish, adding to the sense of adventure.

Nicholas Dean, Yellow Cedar Lodge, Terrace, British Columbia, Aardvark McLeod

By summer, the rivers come alive with waves of migrating salmon, including chinook, sockeye, pink, and coho, along with summer steelhead. The Skeena is famous for its large chinook salmon, some reaching over 50 pounds, while the Upper Copper’s classified waters remain a prime destination for steelhead enthusiasts. Classified licences are the ability to guide on certain areas of the watershed, and as there are so few guides allowed, essentially it means you are more likely to have some privacy. Long days and diverse runs mean anglers can experience a variety of techniques, from swinging flies to nymphing in deeper channels. This time of year also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, as well as the chance to observe local wildlife like eagles and bears along the riverbanks.

Yellow Cedar Lodge, Nicholas Dean, Steelhead, Aardvark McLeod
Image by Tom Burbee

Yellow Cedar Lodge itself is a welcoming and comfortable retreat after a day on the water. The lodge features eight well-appointed guest rooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort for every guest. Common areas include a cozy lounge, dining area, and outdoor spaces that overlook the Skeena river, offering opportunities to relax and unwind. The lodge’s chefs prepare delicious meals daily, blending local flavours with hearty portions to fuel guests for their adventures. Its central location makes it easy to access the region’s diverse rivers, offering anglers a comfortable yet practical base to explore this fly-fishing paradise.

Yellow Cedar Lodge, Nicholas Dean, Steelhead, Aardvark McLeod

We have the following dates available for this year at Yellow Cedar Lodge:

Spring Steelhead (& Chinook in the last two weeks)

Summer Steelhead & Salmon

Fall Steelhead 

For the 2025 season, Nicholas Dean Outdoors offers several fly fishing packages based out of Yellow Cedar Lodge. The Inclusive Lodge Package 1 includes five days of guided fishing and a six-night stay, priced at $6,995 CAD per angler, plus taxes. For those seeking an extended experience, the Inclusive Lodge Package 2 offers six days of guided fishing with a seven-night stay, at $7,995 CAD per angler, plus taxes. Additionally, the Skeena Max Package 1 provides a more budget-friendly option, featuring five days of guided fishing and six nights’ accommodation for $5,695 CAD per angler, plus taxes; this package is based on three guests per guide and must be booked as a group of three.

If you would like more information on Nicholas Dean Outfitters or fly fishing elsewhere in Canada then please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.