New Bell Irving Experiences From Nicholas Dean Outdoors: Skeena Nass Safari & Alpine Steelhead

Two New Bell Irving Experiences from Nicholas Dean Outdoors: Skeena Nass Safari & Alpine Steelhead

1. Skeena Nass Safari

The Skeena Nass Safari is a new multi-lodge program offered through our friends at Nicholas Dean Outdoors. Guests will spend three days fishing various sections of the Skeena and Kalum while staying at Yellow Cedar Lodge and then will transfer 3.5 hours by vehicle to Bell II lodge on the upper reaches of the Bell Irving River, which is arguably the most productive and scenic steelhead tributary of the Nass River.

The Bell Irving is a classic steelhead river with healthy returns of summer/fall steelhead in the 6-to 20-pound class, great scenery and relatively easy wading by BC standards. Bell II Lodge is a large complex used by heli skiers in the winter and a wide range of users in the summer and fall months. It is very well appointed with Swiss chalet style cabins where guests enjoy single occupancy rooms surrounding spacious common areas. Dinners and breakfasts will be served in a large dining area where additional guests may be present.

The other half of the trip will be spent at Nicholas Dean's longtime base, Yellow Cedar Lodge. This is a more intimate experience where guests enjoy meals of the highest standards as well as great single occupancy rooms. During the Yellow Cedar portion of the trip, guests will target the main Skeena and Kalum rivers.

Some groups will begin their trip with the Bell II portion, while others will begin at Yellow Cedar Lodge, and then swap mid-week.

2. Alpine Steelhead Program

Nicholas Dean Outdoors also offers a week-long package at Bell II Lodge for two guests. Guests will enjoy single rooms in a shared chalet and join Safari guests for meals in the main dining hall. Guests will fish the Bell Irving each day and are expected to rotate guides with the Safari guests. This is great option for parties of two that want to maximize their time on the Bell Irving.

Accommodations:

Bell II Lodge - Accommodations and Meals

Guest accommodations are exceptional Swiss chalet style cabins. Guests will stay in renovated deluxe rooms on the upper level that are a short walk from the main lodge building. These rooms feature high vaulted ceilings, heated floors and ensuite bathrooms and incredibly comfortable beds.

Breakfast and dinner are both served in the main lodge dining room. Breakfast is based on a very well-prepared buffet, including bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, along with fresh fruit, granola, yogurt and other items. Dinners are three-course: appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Guests are given a choice between two appetizers and entrees daily to be decided the day prior. Packed lunches are provided for you daily, which your guide will bring to the river.

Yellow Cedar Lodge - Accommodations and Meals

Guest accommodations are comprised of both single and double rooms, with comfortable double or king beds, and quality linen. Each room is equipped with its own private bathroom, with abundant hot water from a private, licensed well. Rooms have ample storage for clothes and luggage. Breakfast and dinner are served in the lodge’s expansive dining room, constructed with high, vaulted ceilings and yellow cedar columns.

Meals are prepared by the lodge’s culinary team, headed by Amanda & Mark Ross, who go to great lengths in providing first class meals, featuring ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. Breakfasts are hearty, offering eggs, cereal, fresh fruit, toast, sausage or bacon, juice and coffee. Packed lunches will be prepared for you each morning and sent with your guide for the day. After returning to the lodge from fishing, appetizers followed by a three-course meal, with specialties including prosciutto wrapped halibut with crispy yam straws, or braised beef short ribs.