The Kitimat River in British Columbia is one of the premier destinations for King Salmon, known locally as Chinook. These chrome-bright giants average 15–25lb, with fish past 40lb landed each season. Aggressive and immensely powerful, they are often compared to big game species, delivering some of the hardest-fought battles in freshwater fly fishing.
The season runs from spring through early summer, when Chinook push into 20km of prime pools and runs. Anglers swing large flies with double-handed rods through broad lower reaches, or drift rafts into smaller upper sections where fish hold tight in current seams. The Kitimat Estuary adds another dimension, producing blistering takes from fresh fish riding the incoming tide. Alongside Chinook, prolific runs of Chum and Pink Salmon provide variety, with Chum up to 30lb and Pink Salmon offering fast-paced sport on lighter tackle.
Fishing is limited to just two anglers per expert guide, ensuring personal attention and maximum water time. Nicholas Dean’s team of seasoned professionals know these rivers intimately, reading conditions and putting you onto fish even in demanding water.
At the end of each day, Yellow Cedar Lodge provides comfort in the Canadian wilderness. En-suite rooms, a sauna, hot tub, games room, and custom wader facilities create the perfect retreat. Evenings feature hearty three-course meals paired with fine wines and the camaraderie of fellow anglers sharing stories of the day.
For those who want to test themselves against chrome-bright Chinook in spectacular wilderness, this programme combines world-class fishing with lodge hospitality at its finest.
The season runs from Mid-April to August.
Season: April to August
Peak: June to August
Weight: 10lb to 50lb
Average Weight: 25lb
Season: All Year
Peak: August to September
Weight: 8lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 15lb
Season: August to September
Peak: September
Weight: 8lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: July to August
Peak: July
Weight: 4lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 6lb
Season: July to August
Peak: July
Weight: 8lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: July to August
Peak: July
Weight: 2lb to 8lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Vancouver Depart Vancouver
Arrive Terrace
On arrival, a representative from Yellow Cedar Lodge will be waiting to drive you the 20-minute transfer to the Lodge.
Overnight Accommodation: Yellow Cedar Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
Over the next 5 days, after breakfast, you will depart with your guides to different sections of the Kitimat. You will be fishing for the mighty Chinook Salmon. These fish average between 20lb and 40lb; however, fish over 50lb are relatively common. Every time you cast your fly into these waters, there’s even the chance of catching that elusive 80lb plus beast.
The fishing on our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon programme is based on two anglers per one guide.
Overnight Accommodation: Yellow Cedar Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
After breakfast, your guides from Yellow Cedar Lodge will transfer you all back to Terrace airport for your return flight home.
Depart Terrace
Arrive Vancouver Depart Vancouver
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Prices are shown per person and are based on twin rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| Travel Available Between These Dates | Days | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/04/2026 | 31/08/2026 | 7 | £6,235 | Enquire |
| 15/04/2027 | 31/08/2027 | 7 | £6,478 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"I had a brilliant week fishing the waters of the Kalum, Skeena and even the Kitimat! Luckily the river conditions were incredibly favourable and I landed some nice fish from each system. The Cedar Lodge was first class and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an adventure fly fishing trip across the pond. "
"This was certainly one of the best weeks of my entire life! From the moment I left my front door to the moment I returned home everything ran so smoothly. The lodge was superb and the surrounding area was mind-blowingly beautiful. The staff and guides were exceptionally knowledgeable about the fish, fishing and local area and every day I enjoyed some excellent fishing. Thank you to all involved in planning my trip. "
"What a place! The Cedar Lodge was stunning and the Kalum and Skeena Rivers were incredible - the fishing was certainly a little different from fishing my local club stretches back home. Each day I was lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic fishing with numerous numbers off all the different Salmon. I'm already looking for dates next year. "
"Highlights for us was the guides and staff at lodge so friendly and knowledgeable and helpful in every way nothing was to much trouble 'other guests were just as friendly. Fishing was reasonable as we had to cope with low temperatures minus 5 to 7 common. We did catch a variety of different species but my own highlight was the 15lb steelhead stunning fish."
To complement the world-class guides, fishing and overall first-class Chinook programme, Nicholas Dean purchased the incredible Yellow Cedar Lodge in April 2020, with the aim of offering travelling freshwater fly anglers the finest fishing accommodation found anywhere in British Columbia and North America. Situated right on the banks of the Skeena, Yellow Cedar Lodge – a Tourism BC Approved Accommodation – features large, vaulted ceilings to highlight the impressive mountain views, numerous amenities and a large wraparound deck for guests to take in the majestic riverscape.
The accommodation features both single and double rooms, with comfortable double or king beds. Each room is equipped with a private en suite and shower, with water taken from the Lodges own private well. Each room also has ample storage for your clothes and luggage and is just steps away from all the amenities the Lodge offers. Some rooms even have their own private terrace or sitting area, which overlooks the beautiful garden and river.
Yellow Cedar Lodges spacious dining room has two large tables and several smaller custom cedar tables. So there is plenty of room to relax, unwind and savour the fine dining from the Lodges experienced culinary team.
The bar – adjoining the dining room – is fully licensed and well-stocked with wine, beer and spirits for guests enjoyment. The staff are on hand with all the drink/menu lists and will be more than happy to show you.
If you fancy enjoying the latest hockey or football game or want to play a game of pool or foosball after you’ve finished dinner? The downstairs games room and bar has it all and is equipped with a 75″ HD satellite TV. Other amenities include a sauna, fully equipped gym, pool table, hot tub and Wifi, all designed to make your experience as leisurely as possible.
The Lodge has a modern, custom wader room, updated in May 2020, and it’s the area where you can keep all your fishing tackle and clothing. Each guest gets provided with a large roomy stall, and it’s here where you can leave your rods, reels and personal gear. You can also hang your waders, jacket and other layers to dry overnight in front of the gas fireplace. The Lodge is very proud of this well-crafted wader room – the finest in the north!
We are sure that you will have a comfortable stay at the Lodge as you search for that trophy, Steelhead or Salmon of a lifetime!
You will enjoy the cooking of the Lodges top-notch culinary team, headed by experienced red seal chefs Amanda & Mark Ross, who go to great lengths in providing first-class meals featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
To ensure that you are fueled up for a full day of fishing ahead, you will find a hearty breakfast each morning, which might include eggs, cereal, fresh fruit, toast, sausage or bacon, juice and coffee. Your packed lunch will be prepared for you each morning and sent with your guide for the day.
When you return to the Lodge in the early evening, your hosts and fellow guests will join you for some fireside appetizers. Following the appetizer, guests will join a Nicholas Dean host – Chad, Dustin, Sky or Rob – for a hearty three-course meal, featuring entrees such as prosciutto-wrapped halibut with crispy yam straws or NDO’s signature braised beef short rib.
Most guests tend to work up quite a large appetite after an adventurous day outdoors, but there’s no need to worry about quantity, as food seems to always be available on our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon programme. The only thing you need to worry about is your waistline!
If you have any dietary requirements then please let us know before you travel, the Lodge is more than happy to cater for the requirements you may have.
The Yellow Cedar Lodge is the perfect destination for the outdoor explorer. With untouched, virgin terrain and endless wildlife, you are sure to experience adventure and the native flora and fauna, unlike anything you have ever seen before. The Lodge has guides to help ensure you experience everything the woods has to offer. As well as world-class Salmon fishing, it has connections with hiking, sightseeing, halibut fishing and even heli-skiing companies.
The Chinook Salmon, or King Salmon, are the biggest and most aggressive of all the Pacific Salmon species and the Skeena watershed in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the best places to catch them. So if you’re a fly fishing angler looking for one of the ultimate freshwater experiences, then our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon package is perfect, providing the challenges of hooking and landing a big sea-run fish. It’s the closest you can get to Big game fly fishing in freshwater.
The Kitimat River in the Skeena region is full of these chrome giants, and they’re super aggressive, extremely powerful, and in peak condition, fresh from the ocean. There are two main seasons to target them, spring and summer and the fish average between 15lb to 25lb and range up to 40lb. In the summer months of June and July, these fish get joined by many bonus species, including prolific Chum and Pink Salmon runs, especially in July.
As a fishing river, the Kitimat is a mid-sized river with cobble and gravel pools ideally suited to anglers who wish to swing flies with a double-handed rod. If you’d like to read more on this often underused fly fishing tactic, you can read our blog: Swinging Flie For Chinook Salmon – The Broadside Presentation. We have limited spacing on each of our trips for Chinook, so contact us as soon as possible to book your adventure today!
The best time to fish for King Salmon or Chinook Salmon is between the spring and summer months. The fishing on our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon programme takes place on the Kitimat River and the Kitimat Estuary. These waterways offer freshwater fly fishing anglers a chance to experience a high-quality fishing experience.
The Kitimat River is a medium-sized coastal river that is exceptionally productive. Dynamic in its make-up, the river frequently changes from year to year, owing to a bottom substrate that’s predominantly gravel and smaller cobble, and features well over 20 kilometres of prime Salmon holding water. Its Chinook Salmon – which average 15lb to 25lbs but are routinely over 30lbs and can reach 50lb – are very aggressive and, given the short proximity to the ocean, are potent fighters, all of which makes the Kitimat River an ideal place to target them on the fly.
On the Kitimat, it’s possible to drift fish using rafts and boats and fishing on many of its long, broad runs in the lower reaches and small pools in the middle to upper reaches is very productive. The Kitimat Estuary is also a popular spot, especially on an incoming tide and offers anglers the chance to catch some of the hottest and brightest Chinooks.
To find out more about Yellow Cedar Lodge and our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon programme in Canada, visit our YouTube channel.
Throughout the year, nearly all the traditional Salmon species get found within the Skeena watershed, and so do a wide range of smaller ‘back-up’ species, including Char, Coastal Cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Rainbow, and Bull Trout. However, our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon programme does precisely what it says on the tin and concentrates on the most significant, hardest fighting King Salmon.
The Chinook Salmon is the largest and most potent Pacific Salmon species and is an admirable pursuit on the fly. The Kitimat Chinooks are fresh from the ocean, white chrome and super hot. They average between 20lb and 40lb; however, fish over 50lb are relatively common. Every time you cast your fly into these waters, there’s even the chance of catching that elusive 80lb plus beast. If you like being beaten up by a mean, powerful beast of a fish, then this is a species and fishery for you.
The Chum Salmon is probably one of the most underrated sport fish on the Pacific coast. They fight super hard and are probably responsible for more broken rods and burnt out reels than any other Salmon. They average around 8lb to 20lb in size but can reach weights of over 30lb. With their garish camouflage coloured flanks and their oversized teeth, these fish run like Steelhead, jump like Coho and bulldog-like Chinook. Tired arms and big grins are usually the order of the day after a hard day battling with Chums.
Like the Chum, the most abundant of all Salmon species, the Pink Salmon is one of the smallest, averaging between 4lb and 7lb. The male fish get distinguished by a large hump that develops on their backs soon after entering the river, and these plentiful fish can provide some excellent sport. Freshwater fly anglers can expect a good few hook-ups per day, especially when fishing between the peak months.
Even though this package concentrates on Chinook Salmon, it’s still possible to catch many different Salmon species during your stay.
Our Chinook or King Salmon fishing programme runs over two seasons, spring and summer. The spring season starts in mid-April and runs until the middle of June, and the summer season begins in July and runs until the end of August. The fishing is based on two anglers per guide, and all-inclusive packages are available with either five or six fishing days.
All the guides on the river are experts in their field and know the waters, Salmon species and fishing like the back of their hands. Many of the guides have been working on the Skeena watershed for many years and have the ability to find fish in the harshest of conditions and most challenging water. All have the unrelenting desire to pursue trophy Steelhead, Salmon and Trout, helping you land that personal best and enjoy a fishing trip of a lifetime.
Most of the beats on our Chinook Salmon programme are ideal for fly fishers who wish to wade to catch their quarry; however, if you prefer to fish from a boat, there are places and stretches to suit all requirements. Boat fishing on the Kitimat and the Kitimat Estuary are especially popular. A typical guided fishing day runs between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm. However, one thing that is incredibly popular amongst guests who visit the Lodge is that you can venture out without a guide and fish extra hours if you wish, putting into practice everything your guides have taught you throughout the day.
I had a brilliant week fishing the waters of the Kalum, Skeena and even the Kitimat! Luckily the river conditions were incredibly favourable and I landed some nice fish from each system. The Cedar Lodge was first class and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an adventure fly fishing trip across the pond.
This was certainly one of the best weeks of my entire life! From the moment I left my front door to the moment I returned home everything ran so smoothly. The lodge was superb and the surrounding area was mind-blowingly beautiful. The staff and guides were exceptionally knowledgeable about the fish, fishing and local area and every day I enjoyed some excellent fishing. Thank you to all involved in planning my trip.
What a place! The Cedar Lodge was stunning and the Kalum and Skeena Rivers were incredible - the fishing was certainly a little different from fishing my local club stretches back home. Each day I was lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic fishing with numerous numbers off all the different Salmon. I'm already looking for dates next year.
Highlights for us was the guides and staff at lodge so friendly and knowledgeable and helpful in every way nothing was to much trouble 'other guests were just as friendly. Fishing was reasonable as we had to cope with low temperatures minus 5 to 7 common. We did catch a variety of different species but my own highlight was the 15lb steelhead stunning fish.
Thank you for the great review and it was great catching up with you on the phone. plus congrats with the Steelhead.
I look forward in helping you both with the next adventure.
Designed for complete beginners and experienced fly fishers alike, this hosted Kalum River Lodge trip with our Sportquest Holidays host is perfect for either single anglers or small groups of friends. Enjoy the benefit of having a fully qualified host with you at all times, as well as enjoying privacy and comfort with private single rooms.
In this lonely place of the Andes the King Salmon have developed a healthy population that continues to grow every year due to low fishing pressure and not having many predators. We have developed this fishing as an extension to our Sea Trout fishing packages, it can also be added to our Golden Dorado.
Our famed Nicholas Dean Steelhead fishing packages in Canada, give you the opportunity to wet a fly on the mighty Skeena and Bell Irving Rivers. These ultra-chrome rockets average between 8lb and 20lb; however, there’s always the chance of a more significant specimen and each season fish to over 20lb and even 30lb grace anglers nets.
Flowing for an incredible 570 kilometres, the Skeena River is the second largest river in Canada, behind only the Fraser. Originating in northwestern British Columbia, the river and its basin is one of the most famous spots in the world for Salmon fishing. The river and its tributaries host vast numbers of migrating Steelhead, Chinook and Coho.
Fraser River Lodge, nestled on the shore of the mighty Fraser River in British Columbia, is the perfect location to spend a relaxing week's holiday while being surrounded by some of the world's best scenery and wildlife. Choose between Sturgeon, Salmon, or Wilderness Fishing. We can customise your fishing trip around your favourite style of fishing.
