NICHOLAS DEAN OUTDOORS  is British Columbia’s premier wild salmon and steelhead outdoor adventure destination.  Nicholas Dean boasts the fact they are the only outdoor adventure company in North Western BC that can offer a different fishing adventure every day and 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.  Not to mention all the outdoor adventure sports as well!

Established 2001
—-
Est. 2001 by founding shareholder, after purchase from Noel Gyger

2012
—-
Fly Fusion Magazine’s Lodge of the Year

2019
—-
Sale by founding shareholders to Rob Clough & David Bossons

The Skeena River system may be the last pervasive wild salmon and steelhead fishery in the world.  The Skeena system is well protected and will become a legacy for the guests 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 that focused on catching the largest salmon using conventional fishing methods.  In 1987 Noel and friend, Cosmo Zavaglia started Northwest Fishing Guides and shortly there after Noel and Cosmo established a reputation and grew the business over the next several years.  In 1997, Noel and his wife Gail purchased Cosmo’s share of the lodge 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 and Dustin Kovacvich.  Over the years, Dustin and Nicholas Dean amassed over 850 repeat clients from all over North America, Europe and Asia.  Dustin continued with his vision and made sure that all the fishing guides of Nicholas Dean were the best in the area and more likely the province.

In March of 2019, Dustin formed a new partnership with someone very familiar with the fishing and hospitality industry.  Rob Clough and his family own the largest and best saltwater salmon fishing operation in the Queen Charlotte Lodge.  Rob has been with QCL for 20 years as the Senior Vice President, directly responsible for the dock and water operations for more than 10 years.  This will be the 20th year at QCL for Rob and the new partnership seems to be an amazing fit for Nicholas Dean.  Rob’s passion for the business and Dustin’s vast knowledge of the Skeena system should set up Nicholas Dean for the next 20 years of business.

Nicholas Dean has another strength in Operations Manager Chad Black, who shares the same vision as Dustin and Rob, Chad is dedicated to offering the highest quality fishing adventures in Northwestern BC’s Skeena Region.

We are sure you will enjoy your experience at Nicholas Dean Outdoors, in the exclusive Skeena Valley fishery.