Hodson's Dean River Lodge 

British Columbia

For generations the Hodson family and the Dean River have been inseparable. Dean River steelhead pioneer and founder of the family operation, Bud Hodson, passed the torch to his son Danny and now Danny’s sons are also working the river as guides for this legendary upper Dean river steelhead fly fishing lodge.
In addition to the main camp, Hodson’s Lodge also has a rustic upper steelhead camp located 25 miles upstream of the main lodge. Most anglers who visit Hodson’s Lodge during the heart of the season will get between one to three days at the upper camp and will be flown in by veteran helicopter pilot Danny Hodson. In all fairness, the water surrounding the upper camp may be some of the finest trophy steelhead dry fly water in the world.

The cabins sleep two guests and are equipped with propane lights, a wood stove and cold running water. Electricity is available in the cabins while the camp generator is running. The Hodson’s main lodge contains shower facilities, dining room and lounge. Guests will enjoy hearty home-style meals in a family atmosphere. For the best of what the magical upper Dean River has to offer for steelhead fly fishing, Hodson’s Lodge holds the key.

Location:
The Dean River flows into the Dean Channel on the central British Columbian coast just north of Bella Coola.

Fishing Program:
The beautiful Dean River is famous for its aggressive summer run steelhead. Clients will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides and transported by jet boats. Dean River steelhead range in size from 8 to 25 pounds, with the average steelhead weighing10 to 12 pounds. Hodson’s Lodge runs 3 steelhead anglers per boat on the Lower Dean River and 2 anglers in the boat at their Upper Camp. They are able to access over 20 miles of fishable water.

During the months of July and August, Hodson’s Lodge operates on a “split” schedule due to warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. A steelhead angler’s day begins with breakfast at 6:00AM and into the boats by 6:45AM. Coffee and cookies are sent out on the river for a mid-morning break and guests will return to the lodge at noon for a main meal at 1:00P.M. Fishing resumes at 4:00PM and guides will provide supper over the campfire. Guests remain on the river until dusk, returning to camp between 9:30 to10:30PM.

Their schedule changes slightly in September when they switch to a full day of fishing with clients waking to a 6:30AM breakfast and into the boats by 7:15AM. Anglers will spend the day on the river with a hot lunch streamside and return to the lodge by 5:30PM followed by a main evening meal at 6:30PM.

Accommodations and Meals:
Hodson’s main lodge is located on the north side of the Dean River, seven miles from the saltwater. Their cabins sleep two guests and are equipped with propane lights, a wood stove and cold running water. Electricity is available in the cabins while the camp generator is running. The lodge contains shower facilities, dining room and lounge. Guest will enjoy first class homestyle meals in a family atmosphere.

Their Upper Camp is located 25 miles from the saltwater and is accessed by a 10 minute helicopter flight. A guest cabin and lodge with shower facilities and dining room compliment this remote fishing experience.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: (Thursday) Arrive Vancouver and overnight.
Day 2: (Friday) Fly from Vancouver to Bella Coola. You will be met at the Bella Coola airport by a representative from the Lodge and flown via helicopter into the Dean River.
Days 3-8: Full days fishing.
Day 9: (Friday) Take helicopter flight back to Bella Coola for the flight back to Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver or continue home.

Complete Trip Details