Anyone who knows steelhead fishing, particularly steelhead fishing with a two handed spey rod, will know of the Dean River in British Columbia. It's pristine, remote location, glacial fed waters, and ocean-bright steelhead are legendary in angling circles. Since I was ten years old I have dreamed of fishing the Dean's hallowed waters, and thoughts of it's mighty steelhead have haunted me ever since.
The steelhead in the Dean River are genetic mutants, culled from literally thousands of years of harsh and unforgiving evolution. The rapids and falls in the lower dean canyon, just a few miles from the ocean, have ensured that only the most savage and hearty steelhead in the world can pass these tests. The result? 10 - 30 pound steelhead of the most epic ocean-bright and conditioned proportions that have been known to quite literally rip fly rods from the hands of unsuspecting anglers.
These summer-run steelhead have a penchant for dry flies, and the sight of a 20 pound chromer boiling on your skated dry fly is something that every flyfisherman in the world should experience in his or her lifetime. In short, the Dean, and the steelhead that swim there, are nothing short of a fly fisherman's wet dream.
The Dean is not an easy river to gain access to. Boats, float planes, and/or helicopters are required. Normal, every day anglers have a terrible time fishing this river because of the logistics involved. Weekend warriors do not exist here. If you want to experience the Dean first-hand, you have to get in line. A very, very, VERY long line of people who have fished the river for decades as guests of a handful of small lodges that operate along the river.
A month ago I received a call from my good friend and guide at BC West Lodge
http://www.deneki.com/bcwest/ Scott and I have crossed paths on rivers, oceans, and tackle shops for a long time. He is one of the best all-around flyfisherman i know, and a veritable expert when it comes to the fishing scene in British Columbia.
Scott can basically pick where and when he wants to guide, his skills and reputation are THAT good. During the months of June, July, and August there is only one place in the world that Scott would want to be. And that place is the Dean River.
Imagine my surprise then, when out of the blue Scott emails me to let me know that after all of these years of waiting, I finally have a chance to fish the Dean. By some stroke of angling luck, three spots have opened up in the absolute best week of the season, July 30 - August 6th at BC West Lodge.
http://www.deneki.com/bcwest/
This is THE week to be there as fresh fish are still entering the lower river with each tide, and the upper river above the canyon is full of fish holding in it's glacial green pools. The river has dropped enough after the freshet to allow for the world class dry fly action the river is famous for, and the salmon have all moved upstream so that when you get bit, it's going to be a steelhead, and a goddamn handful of one at that.
Out of the three spots that were made available, two are already gone. There's one spot left amigos, and the only question is WHO IS GOING TO BE THE LUCKY ONE?!?!?!
Email me for more info, or contact BC West directly and tell them you want Josh's last spot!
Lance and I will see whoever jumps on this truly lifetime opportunity in Vancouver on July 29th, where the beers, and the steelhead stories, will definitely be on me.
Let the games begin!
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Originally Posted by Capt Josh
