History and Who We Are

NICHOLAS DEAN OUTDOORS is British Columbia’s premier exclusive wild salmon and steelhead outdoor adventure destination and the only lodge in North Western BC that can offer a different adventure every day, each time you come to the Lodge. We have access to over 50 rivers and lakes, salt water fishing, fly and conventional fishing, all species of salmon and trout, including outdoor adventures. We can organize adventure sports like mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, camping, off road motorcycle tours, skiing and snowmobiling.

The Skeena River system may be the last pervasive wild salmon and steelhead fishery in the world; it’s well protected and will become a legacy for the clients of Nicholas Dean Lodge to enjoy for many years to come.

In 1983 Noel Gyger started a guiding service and magazine called BIG FISH COUNTRY. A very successful operation focused on catching the largest salmon using conventional fishing methods.

In 1987 Noel and friend, Cosmo Zavaglia started Northwest Fishing Guides shortly there after. Noel and Cosmo established a reputation and grew the business over the next couple of years.

In 1997, Noel and his wife Gail purchased Cosmo’s share of the lodge. Both of them continued to grow the business. With hard work, dedication and a good team of fishing guides, the company was a success.

In November 2001 Noel and Gail retired and sold the business to Nicholas Dean Outdoors Inc. Now operating as the Nicholas Dean Lodge, we have amassed over 850 repeat clients from all over North America, Europe and Asia.

We have been featured on many sport fishing television shows with over 15 shows produced with Canadian Sport Fishing shown on The Outdoor Life Network and The Sports Network in Canada. In the USA we have been featured on ESPN’s Fly fishing the World with John Barret and Steve Abel of Abel Reels.

Nicholas Dean is now operated by Head Guide Dustin Kovacvich, an avid BC fisherman since the age of 2 and a former guide for Noel Gyger. Dustin is dedicated to offering the highest quality fishing adventures in Northwestern BC’s Skeena Region.

We are sure you will enjoy your experience in the exclusive Skeena Valley fishery.