The Dean River guardian program continued to run as normal, aiming to collect catch and effort data from every angler on the river. COVID-19 once again impacted the 2021 angling season on the Dean River, as borders remained closed for the majority of the season. Angling effort was 60% of normal and 1440 rod days recorded. Non-resident alien anglers were able to return to the river once the border re-opened in August. No guiding occurred on the lower river in 2021. Steelhead fishing was below average, escapement estimated at 690 fish and catch per unit effort (CPUE) averaged 0.52 steelhead/rod day. The escapement estimate was underestimated due to reduced angling effort on the river and should not be used as a reflection of how many fish were actually in the river. Total chinook catch was 98% of normal while the CPUE was 31% above normal, a factor of favourable water conditions for angling.