Big Wood River IdahoThe Big Wood River, for some reason, doesn’t have the distinction of the other great fly fishing rivers in Idaho. When anglers discuss Idaho’s blue-ribbon wild trout streams, they talk about the St. Joe River, the Henrys Fork, the Salmon River, Silver Creek and others, leaving out the Big Wood. It could be Freudian-based , an unconscious attempt to keep this great stream to themselves!
The Big Wood River has its source near Galena Summit way up high in the Sawtooth Range, flowing south and east between the Boulder Mountains and the Pioneer Mountains on its east side and the Smoky Mountains on its west. State Route 75 follows along side the stream down through Sun Valley and Ketchum, then the towns of Hailey and Bellevue. The North Fork Big Wood River, borne in the Boulders, joins the main river near the Sawtooth Recreation Area Visitor Center, about 10 miles north of Ketchum. From its headwaters to this point, the river is fast moving, with few pools. Below Ketchum, the Big Wood slows and mellows and could be considered a freestone stream. At Gimlet, between Ketchum and Hailey, the Big Wood picks up added volume as it is joined by the East Fork Wood River, coming from its beginnings in the Pioneers. Next, the Big Wood flows into the Wood River Valley, then into Magic Reservoir, where it joins up with another tributary, Camas Creek. Exiting the reservoir, the river runs through a landscape consisting of lava beds and irrigation canals. In the valleys and flat lands, the agricultural irrigation system affects the river’s flow. It leaves Route 75 before Shoshone and heads west toward Gooding. West of Gooding, it joins up with its smaller sister, the Little Wood River, thus forming the Malad River. Most of the stream is open under General Season dates, Memorial Day weekend through the end of November. Some sections fall under “exceptions”, including being open year-round. See the applicable edition of the Idaho State Fishing Seasons and Rules booklet for details. To download a free PDF File copy of the regulations and rules in whole or in part, get it here. I enjoy The Big Wood River in the early season and late in the year, although the stream is well known for its prolific insect hatches throughout the year. Even in winter months, I am amazed at the available high-quality midge fishing. If I had to pick my favorite time to fish the Big Wood River it would be in the fall, from Labor Day through the end of October. The fish are active, Blue Wing Olives are a good bet, and competition has all but disappeared From the headwaters to Ketchum, expect mostly rainbows. Below Ketchum, as the water flattens out, expect to come up with brown trout most often. The fish are not huge, with about 13 inches as an average. Some stretches of the river will have trout populations of close to 1500 fish per mile. I prefer fishing the water from the Sawtooth Visitor Center down to the town of Bellevue. There is ample access along this stretch of over 20 miles of river. The tail water coming out of Magic Reservoir produces some larger fish, but I’ve always found this area to be too crowded with fishing competition. Golden Stones and the Yellow Sally in sizes 10 and 12 fill the bill from the first of June until mid-July, with a variety of Caddis patterns size 14 to 18 being perfect from July through mid-September. Size 16 and 18 Pale Morning Duns work in July and August, with the Trico in sizes 20 to 24 the ticket in July, August and September. The Blue Wing Olive in sizes 18 to 22 will do it for you in September and October. Finally, keep in mind that these fish are not all that particular. Smaller, high-floating dry attractors work most of the time and pheasant tail and hare’s ear nymphs will produce well most days. During the later summer months, terrestrials fish well. A 4 or 5 weight rod is the perfect tool for the Big Wood River. Casts will not usually be long or complex. A floating line is all you will need if you choose dry fly fishing only, or if your nymphs have bead heads or are tied with a little added weight. Famous Silver Creek, close by the Big Wood, gets much more attention by fly fishermen. It should. It’s a great blue ribbon stream. But, its more technical than the “Woody”, and the Big Wood suits me with the skill level I have as a fly angler. Give it a try. I think you will agree that the Big Wood River is a “sweet” fly fishing stream. Tight lines!
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The Big Wood gets its name from the many cottonwood trees that line its banks and have fallen into the river. The downed trees make excellent cover for the wary trout. During high-water years, melting snow pack and heavy rains can cause poor conditions until late in June. Dry summer months can mean heavier irrigation usage in the agricultural areas, affecting fishing conditions in the lower sections.
