Dean River draw

On this page

• About the Dean River Classified Waters
• About the draw
• Application process
• The draw
• Following the draw
• Dean River Angler Report

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About the Dean River Classified Waters

All anglers are required to buy a Classified Waters Licence to fish the classified portions of the Dean River. The Freshwater Fishing Synopsis - Region 5 Section (PDF, 699KB) provides specific areas and dates). There are no limits on the number of days which a Canadian resident may fish the classified sections of the Dean River.

A Non-Resident Alien is allowed only one Classified Waters Licence for the Dean River. Non-Resident Aliens may only fish one classified section of the Dean River for a maximum of 8 consecutive days per year regardless of whether guided or unguided. A non-guided Non-Resident Alien wishing to fish the Class I - Main Section of the Dean River, from Crag Creek to signs 500 m upstream the canyon, must enter an annual limited entry draw held each spring.

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About the draw

The Dean River Draw is for non-guided, non-resident alien (Non-Canadian) anglers wishing to fish the Upper Class 1 main sections of the Dean River from Crag Creek to signs 500 m above the lower canyon.

The B.C. government will issue successful applicants of the draw a Classified Waters Licence for this section of the river. This license is valid for a maximum of eight consecutive days. 

Anglers wishing to fish the Lower Class 1 section of the Dean River below the signs in the lower canyon, or the Class 2 section at the upper end of the Dean River do not apply through the Dean River Draw. Anglers may purchase a Classified Waters Licence for either of those sections of the river using the self-serve Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing system, or in person from any Service BC location or licence vendor.

Anglers wishing to use the services of a licensed Angling Guide do not need to apply through the Dean River Draw to fish any section of the Dean River. Non-Resident Aliens (whether guided or unguided) may only purchase one Classified Waters Licence for the Dean River per licence year.

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Application process

Who can apply?

• Non-resident aliens (non-Canadian) only
• Individuals or groups
  • Groups must identify a single contact person for the group, this person may or may not be a member of the group
  • There is no limit on number of individuals that can apply as a group
  • Anglers under the age of 16 are permitted to apply. If successful in securing days, they are not required to purchase licences but must be accompanied by a person 16 years of age or older who has the appropriate licences and stamps

Date selection

• Dates available for the draw are from June 21 through September 30, 2025
• First, second and third choice dates may be specified (dates may overlap)
• Date choices must not exceed a maximum of eight consecutive days
• Group members must have identical date choices

Submitting your application

Applications must be submitted through the online application form.

You will receive a confirmation email (which will be a link to your application) upon submission.

If you need help submitting or amending your application, or have questions regarding the application process, please contact the B.C. government by email  by email at fish.support@gov.bc.ca or telephone at 250-331-8148.

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The draw

The following dates are tentative and subject to change.

Closing date

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT.

Draw date

The draw will be conducted during the week of April 21, 2025.

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Following the draw

Notification

Once the draw is completed, designated contact persons will receive results by e-mail. While we aim to notify applicants of their draw results shortly after the draw is conducted, we will be doing so with caution.  We are not able to predict at this time what restrictions may be in place come this year’s fishing dates.

Licences required

Anglers who are successful in the draw must have in their possession while fishing:

• Basic Non-Tidal Angling Licence (either an annual or an eight day)
• Conservation Surcharge Stamp for Steelhead
• Classified Waters Licence for the Upper Dean River

The Classified Waters Licence valid for the Upper Dean River is not available through the self-serve online system. 

Successful Draw applicants will be required to purchase their basic Non-Tidal Angling Licence and Conservation Surcharge Stamp for Steelhead using the self-serve Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing system prior to their Upper Dean River Class 1 Classified Waters Licences being issued by the B.C. government.

The B.C. government will contact anglers approximately three weeks before the start of their fishing dates to arrange for payment and issuance of the required Upper Dean River Class 1 Classified Waters Licence electronically. Upper Dean River Class 1 Classified Waters Licences will no longer be issued manually on paper. Once issued, the licence (complete with basic Non-Tidal Licence, Classified Waters Licence and Steelhead Surcharge Stamp) will be emailed to the angler at the email address indicated on their Angler Profile. Anglers should print the complete licence and have it available to present to a River Guardian or Conservation Officer if requested.

Methods of payment

There is no fee for draw applications. Payment for licences is not to be submitted at time of application.

Since licences are non-refundable and non-transferrable, issuance of the Upper Dean River Classified Waters Licence by the B.C. government is delayed until approximately three weeks prior to anglers' scheduled fishing start dates. This allows anglers time to confirm they are still able to make the trip, and that there are no substitutions or changes to dates required prior to issuance.

Successful applicants and group contact persons will be contacted with payment instructions for Classified Waters Licences. Accepted methods of payment are VISA, MasterCard or American Express.

Cancellations or substitutions

Please contact the B.C. government as soon as possible if changes to your application are required. This includes group member cancellation/substitution, date changes, or cancellation of the application entirely.

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Dean River Angler Report

At the conclusion of the trip, each angler must submit a completed Dean River Angler Report (PDF, 88KB).

Dean River Angler Report (also known as a Creel Card), can be deposited in the drop box provided at the Dean River or mailed to the address indicated on the front of the report. These reports provide valuable data to managers on run size and timing, catch rates and angler intensity. Your co-operation in completing and submitting them is very much appreciated.