Dean River draw

The Dean River draw is an annual lottery for non‑resident alien (non-Canadian) anglers to apply for the opportunity to buy licences to fish the Class I – Main Section (from Crag Creek to signs 500 m upstream of the canyon) of the Dean River without a guide.

You don’t need to enter the draw to fish:

• The Class I – Lower Section (below the signs in the lower canyon)
• The Class II – Upper Section
• Any part of the Dean River when using a licensed angling guide

On this page

• Eligibility
• How to apply
• Amend your application
• After the draw
• Buying your licences
• Submitting your Dean River Angler Report

Eligibility

Only non-resident alien anglers may apply for the Dean River draw. You may apply individually or as part of a group. 

Anglers under the age of 16 may also apply. If successful, they do not need to buy licences but must be accompanied by someone 16 years of age or older who has the appropriate licences and stamps.

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply for the Dean River draw.

1. Register for an FWID, if you don’t have one already
2. Determine your preferred dates:
   • First, second and third choice dates may be specified (dates may overlap)
   • Each choice must be 8 consecutive days or fewer
   • Dates must fall between June 21 and September 30
3. Submit your Dean River draw application form. There is no application fee

Group applications

• Must be submitted as one application (members may not submit individual applications)
• There is no limit to the number of applicants within a group
• All members must have identical date choices

Amend your application

Application amendment and withdrawal requests can be sent to fish.support@gov.bc.ca. Please include each applicant’s FWID and the details of what you would like to amend.

Applications cannot be amended after the draw has closed.

After the draw

Applicants will be sent their results by email once the draw occurs. Successful applicants will receive licence purchase instructions and other relevant information. The contact person identified on group applications will receive results for the whole group.

Buying your licences

Before buying licences or going fishing, review the freshwater fishing regulations for any in-season regulation changes that may impact you.

Successful applicants aged 16 and over, must hold the following while fishing:

• Basic freshwater fishing licence (annual, 1-day or 8-day)
• Steelhead Conservation Surcharge Stamp
• Dean Class I Upper – Draw Classified Waters Licence

Buy freshwater fishing licences.

Submitting your Dean River Angler Report

Each angler must submit a Dean River Angler Report (PDF, 88KB) at the end of their trip. These reports support responsible stewardship of the fishery by providing managers with critical data on run size and timing, catch rates and angler intensity.

Submit completed reports in one of the drop boxes provided at the Dean River, or by mail to the address on the form.