The Big Wood is by far one of the area’s best late season freestone fisheries. Anglers appreciate its array of prolific hatches, braided side channels, easy wading, and vast populations of eager rainbow trout. The river originates as a small mountain stream at the southwest base of Galena Peak and slowly meanders southward towards Sun Valley.
Throughout the summer, the river is typically fished by local anglers and Silver Creek dropouts. Early season Green Drake and Stonefly hatches often come and go untouched due to high runoff. However, the river shapes up nicely around mid-July as Hoppers and Caddis overpopulate its willow-lined banks.
As fall sets in, crowds thin and fishing begins to turn on all along the river. This is a great time of year to fish BWOs, drift Nymphs and swing Streamers along undercut banks.
Nights become colder as the season progresses and burnt orange cottonwoods give way to winter snows. There’s no better scenic backdrop this time of year in Idaho. As fishing draws to a close late in March, it warms up just enough to fish the epic low-water Midge hatches.
On warmer days, you’ll see the fish pod up – sometimes up to 30 at time – to bask in the winter sun. This is truly a must-do for anyone looking to chase away the cabin fever blues!
Current Big Wood River Flows
Big Wood River Hatch Chart
Tailwater CDC Ascending Caddis 
Harrop’s CDC Palmered Caddis 
Tailwater CDC Striving Caddis 
Tailwater CDC Caddis