BC Steelhead – Nass Base Camp

After the trips in 2023, 2024 and 2025, we are already looking forward to the next trip to Nass Base Camp in British Columbia.

This is steelhead fishing as many dream of it. Big rivers, clear pools, high mountains around you and strong fish that come in every autumn. The fishing is exciting, varied and at times very good.

Nass Base Camp is located by Meziadin Lake, about three hours north of Terrace in Northern B.C. The cabin is simple and strategically placed, with short distances to the Bell Irving, Meziadin and Nass system. This is an area with some of the best steelhead fishing stretches in this part of British Columbia.

We have had brilliant trips here. Good food, skilled guides and modern equipment when it comes to boat, motor, vehicle and practical logistics. It is simple, informal and straight to the point. Not a lodge with white tablecloths and ceremony. This is a trip for fishers who want to fish well, eat well and stay close to the river.

During our visit in 2025, we were informed that the lodge will be moved or rebuilt, and that a new lodge is being planned. We will update details for the next trip when this is finally confirmed.

Nass Base Camp normally has room for 6 anglers per week. Two anglers fish per guide. The guides are experienced steelhead and anadromous fishers from British Columbia. They know the rivers, know where the fish hold, and understand how conditions change through the week.

On this trip, fishing is normally on the Bell Irving and Meziadin, and sometimes on more remote tributaries of the Nass system. Access is by jet boat, raft and vehicle, depending on river and conditions. The fishing itself is done while wading.

Wading in the area is relatively easy by B.C. standards. Deep wading is normally not necessary for good fishing.

The fishing is done by swinging flies down and across the current. Spey rods, Skagit heads and sink tips are standard equipment. All fishing is done with barbless hooks, and all fish are released unharmed back into the river.

This is first and foremost a steelhead trip. The opportunity for fish every day is there, but steelhead is steelhead. One fish a day is good. Two or more in a day is very good. In addition, there may be opportunities for coho salmon, Arctic char and rainbow trout, depending on conditions and time of season.

Why do we travel here?

To fish some of B.C.’s least visited trophy pools. To experience rivers that are beautiful, clear and fishable under many different weather conditions. To have experienced guides, good logistics and a fishing programme that gives a lot of value for the money.

Nass Base Camp is simple and homely. The lodge lies near Meziadin Lake together with a few other cabins. There is a pleasant main lodge, simple standard and a cook who makes good, hearty meals served family-style.

A normal day starts early.

The coffee is on around 05:00. Breakfast is served around 06:00. Departure for fishing is normally around 07:00. Lunch is delivered out by the river. Fishing usually continues until around 18:00 before returning to the lodge. Dinner is served around 19:00, often as a good three-course meal in informal surroundings.

There is no alcohol service at the lodge. Alcohol can be bought on arrival in Terrace, and a stop is normally planned on the way from the airport to the lodge if needed.

The journey normally goes via Vancouver to Terrace in British Columbia. On arrival in Terrace, the group is met and driven north to Nass Base Camp. The drive takes around three hours and passes through fine B.C. landscape.

Recommended equipment is Spey rods of around 12.4 to 13.6 ft in classes 7–9, Skagit heads and sink tips. Tube flies and flies with trailing hooks in the 2.5 to 3.5 inch range work well. Black, black/blue, purple and pink are popular colours. It is also wise to bring a few high-floating foam skaters.

The lodge does not normally provide full fishing equipment, but the guides often have extra flies and some spare gear if something breaks or is lost. 2instincts is happy to help with an equipment list and recommendations before departure.

This is a trip for steelhead fishers who appreciate good fishing, skilled guides and simple, informal lodge standards. You do not need luxury to have a great week in B.C. Here it is the rivers, the fishing and the setting that matter most.

There is no internet or mobile coverage at the lodge, but there is a satellite-based InReach messaging system that can be used if needed.

We recommend travel insurance for this trip to Canada.

Please contact Helge Vetås for details on mobile +47 924 10 513, or send an email to kontakt@2instincts.no.

Welcome to very exciting steelhead weeks in British Columbia.