The Skeena-Nass Safari offers travelling anglers a unique opportunity to experience two of British Columbia’s most iconic Steelhead river systems in one carefully designed fishing adventure. Combining time on the productive Bell Irving River, the largest tributary of the Nass, with days spent exploring the legendary Skeena and Kalum rivers, this trip delivers variety, excitement and access to some of the finest Steelhead waters in Canada.
Set amongst the spectacular wilderness of northern British Columbia, the Bell Irving River is a classic Steelhead stream, known for its summer and autumn runs of powerful fish, striking alpine scenery and relatively easy wading by BC standards. This makes it an appealing option for anglers of varying experience levels, while still offering the chance to connect with strong, hard-fighting Steelhead in a beautiful remote setting.
The second part of the adventure focuses on the mainstem Skeena and Kalum rivers, two renowned systems that have helped make the Terrace region famous among Steelhead anglers around the world. With expert local guides, carefully chosen fishing locations and comfortable lodge accommodation throughout the week, the Skeena-Nass Safari is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience the best of northern British Columbia in one varied and memorable trip.
The season runs from September to October.
Season: All Year
Peak: September to October
Weight: 8lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 15lb
Season: April to August
Peak: June to August
Weight: 10lb to 50lb
Average Weight: 25lb
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
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Vancouver
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Vancouver
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Vancouver International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Depart Vancouver - Arrive Terrace
Depart Vancouver - Arrive Terrace
Depart: Vancouver International Airport
Arrive: Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat
Travel from Terrace Airport to Bell 2
Travel from Terrace Airport to Bell 2
On arrival in Terrace, you will be met by a representative from our partners and transferred to Yellow Cedar Lodge. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the games room for a few hours before continuing your journey north after lunch.
The onward transfer from Yellow Cedar Lodge to Bell 2 Lodge takes approximately three and a half hours, travelling through some of British Columbia’s most spectacular wilderness. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, vast forests, and some fantastic sightseeing opportunities as you venture deeper into this remote and beautiful part of Canada.
Once you’ve checked in at the lodge and settled into your room, the remainder of the day is yours to relax, explore the facilities, and prepare for the exciting fishing days ahead.
Bell 2 Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Bell 2 Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Over the next two days, after breakfast, you’ll head out with your guide to explore different sections of the Bell-Irving River, one of the most productive tributaries of the renowned Nass River system, in search of the mighty Steelhead.
This beautiful medium-sized river ranges from approximately 40 to 80 yards wide and offers an abundance of classic fly water, including runs, riffles, pools, and glides. Fishing is done entirely by straightforward wading, making the river accessible and enjoyable for anglers of all abilities.
The scenery is every bit as impressive as the fishing itself. Framed by snow-capped mountains and lined with dense forests of cottonwoods, poplars, and other deciduous trees, the Bell-Irving is particularly spectacular during autumn when the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of gold and yellow.
Bell 2 Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Bell 2 Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your third and final fishing day on the Bell-Irving River, you’ll have one last opportunity to swing a fly for these beautiful, chrome-bright Steelhead. Fishing will continue until late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore new water, revisit productive runs, and hopefully connect with one final fish before the end of your stay.
Travel from Bell 2 to Yellow Cedar Lodge
Travel from Bell 2 to Yellow Cedar Lodge
Once your fishing has come to an end and you’ve packed your bags, a representative from our partners will transfer you back to Terrace and Yellow Cedar Lodge, where the second part of your Canadian adventure begins.
Upon arrival, you’ll have time to unpack, relax, and settle in before preparing for the next three days of exciting fly fishing in this spectacular region of British Columbia.
Yellow Cedar Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Yellow Cedar Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Over the next three days, on fishing days four, five and six, after breakfast, you’ll head out with your guide to explore different sections of the legendary Skeena River system, once again in pursuit of the mighty Steelhead.
Often referred to as “chrome rockets”, these powerful fish are renowned for their blistering runs, aerial displays, and incredible fighting ability. Steelhead on the Skeena commonly average between 8lb and 20lb, although larger specimens are always a possibility, with fish exceeding 20lb and even 30lb landed each season.
Fishing takes place across a variety of productive water, from classic runs and glides to deeper holding pools, with your guide selecting the best locations based on current river conditions and fish movements.
Yellow Cedar Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Yellow Cedar Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Transfer from Yellow Cedar Lodge to Terrace Airport
Transfer from Yellow Cedar Lodge to Terrace Airport
After breakfast, once you’ve packed your bags and checked out, a representative from our partners will transfer you to the airport. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Depart Terrace - Arrive Vancouver
Depart Terrace - Arrive Vancouver
Depart: Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat
Arrive: Vancouver International Airport
Depart Vancouver - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Vancouver - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Vancouver International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on single 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/03/2026 | 16/11/2026 | 7 | £5,472 | Enquire |
| 16/03/2027 | 16/11/2027 | 7 | £5,715 | 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'd read online that this was one of the best destinations in the world if you wanted to target Steelhead and I must it was spot on. I had fantastic weeks fly fishing and landed good numbers of fish every day, including a handful of proper specimens. The lodge, staff, food and everything else was brilliant too, I'd thoroughly recommend it. "
"I had never fished outside the UK before, but I did enjoy a few days to Scotland each year, but with the decline in fishing and the increasing prices, I thought I'd bite the bullet and book a trip to Canada. A week after returning, writing this and looking back, I must say I'm so glad I did - it was incredible. I think I now officially have the bug and am already plotting next years adventure. "
"I've been lucky enough to fish the Skeena for the past five years and I must say it's something I'll never get tired of. I thought for this year I'd try a different destination so ended up booking a week at Cedar Lodge, after reading some glowing online reviews. I'm glad I did, it was a beautiful lodge set in some incredible surroundings, the staff and food were first class too. I'd definitely like to return again 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."
"We've just returned from a 2 week fishing holiday on the Skeena and Bell Irvive (Nass System).
The Sportsquest organisation was exemplary as usual.
YCL/NDO run an absolutely fantastic operation and the food, staff, guides, service, standards, organisation, etc are all top-notch - it's a real 5 star experience.
However, it was a real shame that the fishing was absolutely dire during the first half of the holiday and then we unluckily got washed off for the second. Apparently, regular September visitors are advising that this is becoming a bit of the norm with some rods choosing to return home early this year.
We have fished the Skeena and associated rivers a few times before and we know first-hand how fantastic the fishing should be. So we're pretty philosophical about this year's fishing and will be back next year for 2 weeks when hopefully the fishing will be back to normal. We'll also book August to avoid the September floods.
Tom Armstrong
September 2026"
To complement the world-class guides, fishing and overall first-class Skeena Steelhead programme, the range of accommodation has been picked to match.
The first part of this Canadian adventure utilises the incredible Bell 2 Lodge, set in a spectacular wilderness location in northern British Columbia. It offers comfortable, well-appointed accommodation, ideal for guests looking to enjoy the surrounding landscape while staying in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Guests are accommodated in charming Swiss-style chalet cabins, located just a short walk from the main lodge. The chalets feature recently renovated deluxe rooms, finished to a high standard with vaulted ceilings, heated floors, and private ensuite bathrooms. For added comfort and privacy, guests are provided with single rooms, making it an excellent option for those travelling independently or as part of a group.
The main lodge acts as the central hub, where guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a dining room, guest lounge, and bar area. There is also a fitness room and a sauna, perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors. Throughout the property, the focus is on comfort and practicality, ensuring everything you need is close at hand in this remote setting.
Combining modern chalet accommodation with convenient lodge facilities, Bell II Lodge provides a comfortable and well-equipped base for your stay in this unique part of Canada.
Yellow Cedar Lodge is the base for the second part of this Canadian adventure and is 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 river landscape.
The accommodation features 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 lodge’s own private well. Each room also has ample storage for your clothes and luggage and is just steps away from all the amenities on offer. Some rooms even have their own private terrace or sitting area overlooking the beautiful garden and river.
The 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 lodge’s 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, a fully equipped gym, a pool table, a hot tub, and Wi-Fi, all designed to make your experience as leisurely as possible.
The lodge has a modern, custom wader room, updated in May 2020, where you can keep all your fishing tackle and clothing. Each guest is provided with a large, roomy stall, 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.
Both accommodations offer a top-notch culinary team that goes to great lengths to provide 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 appetisers. Following the appetiser, guests will join a Nicholas Dean host 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, please let us know before you travel; the lodge is more than happy to cater for them.
The Nicholas Dean Skeena–Nass Safari offers travelling anglers the chance to experience two of British Columbia’s most celebrated Steelhead fisheries during a single trip. Timed to coincide with the peak of the autumn run, this unique programme combines world-class fishing, spectacular wilderness scenery, and access to some of the finest Steelhead water in North America.
The adventure begins on the renowned Bell-Irving River, the largest tributary of the Nass system, where anglers are based at the comfortable Bell II Lodge. Surrounded by rugged mountains and pristine wilderness, the river is famous for its consistent returns of hard-fighting Steelhead, typically ranging from 6lb to 20lb, and offers excellent wading opportunities across a wide variety of classic fly water.
The second part of the trip focuses on the legendary Skeena River system, with accommodation at Yellow Cedar Lodge. Stretching for approximately 570 kilometres, the Skeena is one of Canada’s most iconic rivers and supports some of the largest wild Steelhead populations found anywhere in the world. Its vast network of tributaries and endless miles of productive water provide anglers with an incredible variety of fishing opportunities.
Operating during a carefully selected window in the autumn, when fresh fish are entering their home rivers in peak condition, this safari places anglers in the right place at exactly the right time. These chrome-bright Steelhead arrive directly from the Pacific Ocean, powerful, aggressive, and ready to take a fly. In waters as famous as these, every cast carries the possibility of connecting with a truly exceptional fish.
The Nicholas Dean Skeena–Nass Safari takes place during a carefully selected window in the autumn, the season that has made both the Skeena and Nass river systems world-famous amongst Steelhead anglers.
At this time of year, fresh-run Steelhead are pushing into their home tributaries after leaving the Pacific Ocean. These fish arrive powerful, chrome-bright, and in prime condition, offering anglers the chance to target some of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish on the planet. Average fish typically range between 8lb and 20lb, but larger specimens are encountered every season, with fish over 20lb common and the occasional 30lb-plus giant always a possibility.
One of the great advantages of this safari is the opportunity to experience two distinct fisheries during the same trip. The Bell-Irving River, the largest tributary of the Nass system, provides classic Steelhead water, with long runs, glides, and riffles set amongst dramatic mountain scenery.
The second part of the programme focuses on the legendary Skeena system, a river network renowned for producing exceptional numbers of wild Steelhead and offering anglers access to some of the most famous fly-fishing water in North America.
Autumn also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of the year. Fresh snow begins to dust the surrounding peaks, while vibrant shades of gold, orange, and red line the riverbanks. Combined with crisp mornings, low angling pressure, and the arrival of fresh fish, it creates the perfect setting for a truly memorable Steelhead adventure.
For many travelling fly anglers, this is the ultimate time to experience British Columbia’s legendary Steelhead fishing, when every swing of the fly carries the possibility of connecting with the fish of a lifetime.
To find out more about Yellow Cedar and Bell 2 Lodge and our Nicholas Dean Skeena Nass Safari Steelhead Fishing programme in Canada, visit our YouTube channel.
While the Skeena watershed is renowned for its incredible runs of Pacific Salmon, the focus of the Nicholas Dean Skeena–Nass Safari is firmly on one species – the mighty Steelhead.
These chrome-bright fish are among the most sought-after game fish in the world, prized for their strength, speed, and spectacular fighting ability. Throughout the Skeena and Nass systems, Steelhead commonly average between 8lb and 20lb, although larger specimens are landed every season. Fish exceeding 20lb are a realistic possibility, and the occasional 30lb-plus giant ensures every cast carries a sense of anticipation. Marine biologists working within the watershed have even recorded Steelhead weighing over 44lb, reinforcing the region’s reputation as one of the finest destinations on the planet for trophy fish.
This safari takes place during a carefully selected period in the autumn, when fresh-run Steelhead are entering their home tributaries from the Pacific Ocean. At this time of year, the fish are in exceptional condition, powerful, aggressive, and often displaying the bright chrome appearance that Steelhead anglers dream of encountering.
Combined with spectacular mountain scenery, colourful autumn landscapes, and some of the best Steelhead fishing found anywhere in North America, the Nicholas Dean Skeena–Nass Safari delivers a truly memorable fly-fishing adventure.
Our Skeena Nass Steelhead programme runs over one season, the fall. All our weeks during this relatively short window, are fully guied, with two rods per guided.
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 and Bell-Irving Rivers 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 Steelhead 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.
I'd read online that this was one of the best destinations in the world if you wanted to target Steelhead and I must it was spot on. I had fantastic weeks fly fishing and landed good numbers of fish every day, including a handful of proper specimens. The lodge, staff, food and everything else was brilliant too, I'd thoroughly recommend it.
I had never fished outside the UK before, but I did enjoy a few days to Scotland each year, but with the decline in fishing and the increasing prices, I thought I'd bite the bullet and book a trip to Canada. A week after returning, writing this and looking back, I must say I'm so glad I did - it was incredible. I think I now officially have the bug and am already plotting next years adventure.
I've been lucky enough to fish the Skeena for the past five years and I must say it's something I'll never get tired of. I thought for this year I'd try a different destination so ended up booking a week at Cedar Lodge, after reading some glowing online reviews. I'm glad I did, it was a beautiful lodge set in some incredible surroundings, the staff and food were first class too. I'd definitely like to return again 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.
We've just returned from a 2 week fishing holiday on the Skeena and Bell Irvive (Nass System).
The Sportsquest organisation was exemplary as usual.
YCL/NDO run an absolutely fantastic operation and the food, staff, guides, service, standards, organisation, etc are all top-notch - it's a real 5 star experience.
However, it was a real shame that the fishing was absolutely dire during the first half of the holiday and then we unluckily got washed off for the second. Apparently, regular September visitors are advising that this is becoming a bit of the norm with some rods choosing to return home early this year.
We have fished the Skeena and associated rivers a few times before and we know first-hand how fantastic the fishing should be. So we're pretty philosophical about this year's fishing and will be back next year for 2 weeks when hopefully the fishing will be back to normal. We'll also book August to avoid the September floods.
Tom Armstrong
September 2026
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.
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.
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.
