I have an opportunity to go to the Lower Dean R. Lodge September 20-25, 2010 and am looking for more info. than what I could find on the internet. Specifically, 1)Is the end of September too late for Steelhead? I read August is the peak, and busiest time for Steel in the lower stretches. 2) With the water very low that late, do I really need to use a two handed Spey rod? Admittedly a green Spey caster, can I get away with my 7, 8, and 9 wt. standard rods? 3) Is the water ever clear enough to sight fish on them? That late in the season the low water should be pretty clear? 4) Anything else to know to bring for conditions then or for the stay at the lodge? Thanks for any info. It is an expensive trip and I want to be organized.

EXTREME jealousy here bud!! That is on the top of my to do before I die list for sure. Ive always read August is the month. Some of the guides from the "other" famous summer run rivers up there guide on the Dean for the earlier part of the season (August) and end up back on the "other" rivers in September. [url=www.piscatorialpursuits.com]www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling/river/dean.phtml[/url]


Mid july-mid August is best for lower section above tidewater to the lower canyon is what link states so your probably good!

Dean = bucket list river if'n you are the steelheading type.

Haven't been, but certainly hope to some day. In the poking around I have done, as Danny says, late July through August seems to be a time frame that is mentioned often, with fish coming in later than that certainly.

Logistics and where to spend time seem to be the crux for most folks. Outside of the expense that is.

The more I target "summer" run fish, the more it seems as though they have their preferred haunts and you don't necessarily find them spread throughout a given system. I have heard simmilar comments made about the Dean.

One handed vs. two handed. Why not both. Each have their advantages and your on an expedition anyhow.

Never underestimate the power of an egg pattern...if you are into that sort of thing.

That's getting towards the end of the season but a slow day on the Dean is better than most days anywhere. I've been several times and we often end up taking out at Victoria which is just above the falls. That stretch is often accessed by lower dean clients and fishes well even at the end of September. Be ready for some high water events. Weather can raise the river and put it out anytime after labor day or even before. Bring a two hander if you can. The first time I went was the first time I used one (a 14' 9wt St Croix) and I had a blast. Kind of a meat stick but the fish there have more energy than you can imagine especially in the lower waters. The end of Sept can be getting pretty cold up there but the afternoons can be sunny and warm. We may be up there around Labor Day, haven't decided if I can afford it yet.

Nymphing is not allowed on the Dean...