Nass Base Camp

Two and a half hours north of the hustle and bustle of Terrace, B.C., and the fabled waters of the lower Skeena River, there is a small, unassuming, homespun lodge that operates in anonymity and solitude. Their waters eventually flow into the mighty Nass River, the first big river system north of the Skeena River. The mainstay system of Nass Base Camp is the Bell Irving River, a gorgeous river behind which huge snow-capped mountains rise, in places, straight out of the river. To call this river majestic is, in many ways, an understatement. The other systems will remain unnamed for good reason but they are unique, productive, and very hard to blow out, making this program one of the most diverse and foul-weather-resistant in all of B.C.

Catering to only six anglers per week, Nass Base Camp is an intimate, casual, and totally unpretentious setup. Visitors may even call it a bit funky but the guides are as good as it gets, the meals are delicious and hearty, and the value is unquestionable. For those who appreciate getting off the beaten path and don't need white table linens or turn down service, this should be at the top of the list.

At Nass Base Camp anglers will fish both the Bell Irving and the Meziadin rivers, typically alternating between the two. Both systems will be accessed by jetboat and all fishing will be done while wading. All fishing is with single barbless hooks and all fish are released unharmed. Anglers may also have the chance to raft a remote tributary of the Nass River. This system takes a long time to reach but is often well worth the effort. Anglers might also hike down to the confluence of the Nass and the Meziadin rivers. This takes about 25 minutes and entails fairly challenging terrain. While the wading in the region tends to be easy, climbing in and out of the jetboats (especially the Outlaw jetboat) can be challenging.

The Nass Base Camp is a simple, no-frills, semi-funky 1,700 square-foot cabin near the shore of Meziadin Lake. It has six single-occupancy bedrooms as well as a loft in the event of a snorer. Guests share one bathroom. The lodge has a full-time cook and hearty meals are served in the main dining room. While simple and unpolished, this is a great little camp with super staff that serious anglers greatly enjoy.

Sun: To get to Nass Base Camp guests will need to make flight arrangements to Terrace, B.C. The host will pick guests up at the airport, and will then transfer to the Nass Base Camp, which is approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive. Upon arrival guests will get settled in and prepare their gear for the following days of fishing.

Mon-Sat: Full days of fishing.

Sun: Depart Terrace and return home.

2025 Rate: Per person based on single occupancy and shared guiding

• 7 night/6 day package: CAD $7,390

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, transfers between Terrace airport and the camp, taxes.

Not Included: Airfare to/from Terrace, staff and guide gratuities, alcohol, flies and fishing licenses.

Species: Steelhead

Season: September - October

Capacity: 6 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Any steelheader who appreciates a great value and does not need fancy meals or accommodations is best suited to this destination. 

Where is the lodge? Nass Base Camp is located near Meziadin Lake in Northern B.C., three hours north of Terrace B.C. by car. 

How do I get there? Guests will fly to Vancouver, B.C. and then on to Terrace B.C. Guests will be met in Terrace and then drive three hours north to the lodge.  

When should I go? The season runs from mid-September to early November. Later season dates are popular here as one of the key rivers tends to fish well as the weather gets colder. 

How will I fish? Guests will fish two per guide and use both rafts and jetboats to access prime runs. Each day guests will leave the lodge with the appropriate boat in tow.  All fishing will be done while wading and swinging flies down and across, primarily with Spey rods, Skagit lines and sink tips. 

Is there wade fishing? All fishing will be done while wading.

Where will I fish? The lodge fishes three key systems; the Bell Irving, the Meziadin, and a small rough-and-tumble system that will remain unnamed. All of these systems are tributaries of the Nass. The Nass is the next large system north of the Skeena.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The Meziadin is about five minutes away from the base, the Bell Irving is about 45 minutes away and the unnamed system is nearly two hours away, and is most often fished when heading back to Terrace on the last day of fishing. The drives tend to be very scenic with very little traffic. 

What type(s) of fish will I catch? This is a steelhead specific trip and other incidental catches are rare. 

How many fish will I catch? Steelhead catch rates vary from week to week and from year to year. If folks can get a fish a day that should be seen as very acceptable and if folks get two or more fish a day that should be considered excellent. With that said, this trip is often on the higher end of the B.C. catch-rate spectrum. 

Will I see other anglers? Guests will see others but not many and likely not every day. There is one lodge on the Bell Irving that tends to stick to fishing six or so prime runs near the lodge. Nass Base Camp guests will fish above, beneath and at times, between them. On the other systems, it is rare to see others but it happens occasionally. 

What are the guides like? The guide team is made up of seasoned anadromous angling professionals from British Columbia.  They are casual, competent and skilled. 

What are the physical demands? This trip is not very demanding and offers relatively easy wading by B.C. standards. Some of the jetboats have high gunnels and are a bit challenging to get in and out of.  This area can also be rather cold, so that may be considered a demand of sorts. 

Are there any special skills required? Good wading and casting skills are useful but not mandatory.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge does not provide equipment, but the guides are happy to pull special flies from their boxes if the situation mandates it. They also have some spare gear if an angler loses or breaks something.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? 12.5- to 13.5-foot 7-weight spey rods with Skagit heads are the staples.

What are the top flies? Tube flies and flies with trailing hooks in the 2.5- to 3.5-inch range are popular in black, a combination of black and blue, purple, and pink.  Also, anglers should be sure to have some high floating foam skaters.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? This program is arguably the very best in B.C. when it comes to being protected from a complete blowout. While the Bell Irving goes out easily, the Meziadin is one of the two hardest rivers to blowout in all B.C. The unnamed system is also very tolerant of precipitation. 

What is a typical day like?

• 6:30 AM: Coffee is on
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast
• 8:00 AM: Depart for a day of fishing
• 12:00 PM: Lunch is delivered to guests on the river
• 6:00 PM: Guests head back to the lodge
• 7:00 PM: Dinner is served

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? This is a very casual lodge by Fly Water Travel standards. It was built as a modest personal home and retains much of that feeling. 

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? There will be a head guide on-site but the lodge does not have a highly "managed" feel.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? The lodge has a nice main dining table off the kitchen where simple hearty meals are served family-style. 

What is the alcohol policy? After arriving in Terrace in the evening, guests’ guide/driver will take them by the liquor store so they can stock up on whatever alcohol is desired for the week. No alcohol is provided by the lodge as part of the package. 

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The Nass Base Camp is a simple, no-frills, semi-funky 1700-square-foot cabin near the shore of Meziadin Lake. It has four private cabins, all equipped with private bathrooms and showers. There are two single occupancy bedrooms that share a bathroom in the main lodge and a loft in the event there is a snorer. Rooms are very simple, meaning a bed in a room with a light. Duffle bags will be stored on the floor. Guests in the lodge share one downstairs bathroom. The lodge has a simple living area up front, and guests often leave their beer on the porch, which keeps it plenty cold. 

Is there internet and/or cell service? The lodge has Starlink Wi-Fi. There is no cell coverage at the lodge, however they have a satellite In-Reach texting system that guests may use if needed.

Are there other activities? There are no other activities at this lodge.

Are there any other expenses? Guests will need to pay for their airfare to and from the lodge, alcohol, flies, fishing licenses, and the guide and staff gratuities.

Do I need a visa? A visa is not required for this location.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Aside from the inherent risks of wading wild rivers, using rafts and jetboats, and fishing in regions with black bears, grizzlies, and wolves, there are no major concerns, dangers or annoyances.