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.
Known as a Salmon superhighway, the river and its tributaries host vast numbers of migrating Steelhead and Coho in summer and fall. All the fish on their migratory routes heading for the renowned rivers, such as the Copper, Kalum, Babine, Kispiox, Sustut, Bulkley and Morice, enter the Skeena above or around the town of Terrace and must pass directly in front of our Lodge before they reach their spawning grounds. With these fish being fresh from the ocean, many only being in the river a day or two, they are at their absolute peak in terms of size, strength and beauty. They are among the most aggressive Salmon and Steelhead on earth and provide adventurous travelling rods with some of the most explosive freshwater fly fishing they will ever experience. To hook one of these fish on the fly in the broad Skeena River is to touch the heart of the wilderness – an experience not to be forgotten!
Our Nicholas Dean Skeena Max tour is a dedicated Skeena-fishing program designed for the die-hard fly angler who wishes to explore some of the finest freshwater fishing in the world. With the fishery based on three guests per guide, we’re able to offer this incredible package at a much-reduced price point, with all the benefits of an all-inclusive holiday.
Nestled in the majestic coastal mountains near Terrace, British Columbia, Canada, the mighty Skeena River is home to some of the most extensive wild Steelhead and Salmon runs on the planet. Our dedicated, all-inclusive Nicholas Dean Skeena Max programme gives travelling freshwater fly anglers the chance to cast a fly for these unique fish on the Lower, Middle and Upper Skeena River.
The Lower Skeena, a class II classified waterway, is a large, broad, flowing river fed by many famous tributaries including the Copper, Kalum, Babine, Bulkley, Kispiox, Morice, and Sustut and many others on its route to the Northern British Columbia coastline. The world-renowned Salmon run that occurs in this part of the world see’s vast numbers of migratory fish heading for these tributaries, but before they do so, they must pass through the lower part of the Skeena, where our operation is based. Therefore, all travelling rods that visit this area will have the first opportunity to target these beautiful fish, which are only a day or two out of the sea and at the absolute peak of their powers. These fish will test your tackle and resolve to the limit.
While mainly well-known for its massive Steelhead, the lower Skeena is also an exceptional fishery for Coho, Sockeye, and Pinks. At the right time of the year, it’s also known for coastal cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Rainbow, and Bull Trout.
The Upper Skeena River, like the Lower, is also a class II classified waterway. Located above the town of Terrace, it’s slightly smaller in width and features more channels than the Lower but still holds an abundance of fish. With miles and miles of classic swinging water, the Upper Skeena fishes incredibly well in the Summer and Fall and has become an anglers favourite over the years. Its classic runs and tail-outs, studded with large boulders, create the perfect holding water for fish to rest upstream on their migratory route.
Throughout the year, nearly all the traditional Salmon species get found within the Skeena, and so do a wide range of smaller ‘back-up’ species, including Char, Coastal Cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Rainbow, and Bull Trout. However, during our Nicholas Dean Skeena Max programme, which runs for a narrow window during August and September, the main species in the river are the Steelhead and Coho Salmon.
The Steelhead Salmon on the Skeena average between 8lb and 20lb; however, there’s always the chance of a bigger specimen and each season fish to over 20lb and even 30lb grace anglers nets. An interesting fact from the Skeena is that marine biologists have caught Steelhead to over 44lb in their test fishery, and our guides on the river believe there is no better place in the world to catch a world record.
The Coho’s are known as the prince of the Pacific Salmon and are renowned for their high cartwheeling leaps, searing runs and line twisting rolls. The Skeena fish average between 8lb to 15lb with a smattering of 20lb plus fish, although Coho to over 30lb is not unheard of. These giant hooked nosed northern fish can be sight fished when conditions allow, and there’s no better way of catching them than stalking them with a dry fly in a gin-clear, pristine wild river.
Our famed Nicholas Dean Skeena Max programme runs over a narrow window between August and early September and fishes many different beats on the river. Based on three anglers per guide, as opposed to the traditional sum of two anglers per guide, this package is available at a much lower price point yet still includes all the fantastic benefits of an all-inclusive holiday.
Despite having only one guide per three anglers, 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 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 Skeena Max 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. 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.
To complement the world-class guides, fishing and overall first-class Skeena Max 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. 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 at Nicholas Dean. 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.
To find out more about Yellow Cedar Lodge and our Nicholas Dean Skeena Max programme in Canada, visit our YouTube channel.
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 Skeena. You will be fishing for the migrating Steelhead and Coho. With the fish being fresh from the ocean, many only being in the river a day or two, they are at their absolute peak in terms of size, strength and beauty. They are among the most aggressive Salmon and Steelhead on earth.
The fishing on our Skeena Max programme is based on three 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.
The season runs from August to September.
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
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/08/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 7 | Enquire for prices and availability | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on three anglers sharing transfers and accommodation and the fishing is based on 3 anglers per guide (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
A beautiful lodge set in some stunning surroundings. The accommodation, staff, service and food were all spot on AND the fishing was fantastic! Luckily we were blessed with some perfect river conditions and some hungry fish and it was fishing as I've never experienced before. I'd 100% love to go back and would recommend it to anyone thinking about it.
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.
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.
This exclusive Sportquest-hosted trip ventures into the Alaskan wilderness, to the famous Goodnews River Lodge. This exciting freshwater fly fishing adventure offers travelling rods the opportunity to target and catch all five Pacific Salmon species, as well as Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char and even Dolly Varden.
The Coho or Silver Salmon, as they’re also known, are powerful game fish, famed for their hard fighting qualities and aerial acrobatic displays. They get found in good numbers throughout the Skeena region from around the middle of August until the end of October, and our Nicholas Dean Trophy Coho package runs right through the peak summer and fall seasons.
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 for you.
Our famed Nicholas Dean Steelhead fishing packages cover the whole of the Steelhead season in Canada, fishing on the mighty Skeena River and all of its watershed. These ultra-chrome rockets on the Skeena 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.
