As of September 11, 2026, the Big Wood River is fishing Fair (7.7/10): flows are 56 cfs, Red Quills activity, reported by 1 shop.
Last updated
Reports indicate good conditions. flow at 57 cfs.
Conditions are holding steady since the previous update.
Freestone through Sun Valley. Accessible roadside fishing from Ketchum to Bellevue.
A quick view of the latest report, gauge, hatch, and fly data available for this water. Missing observations are left unreported rather than estimated.
Current reports mention Red Quills, Baetis, Tricos. Recommended flies include Caddis, Red Quills, Stonefly Nymph, Streamers.
Recent reports mention lower river, lower Wood, Lower Wood has high afternoon water temps; cooler water found moving north.
Access and seasonal rules can change. Check current regulations and closures with Idaho Fish and Game ↗
Big Wood River location
43.7863, -114.4251
Current Flow
56cfs
| Insect | Stage | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Red Quills | adult | morning |
| Baetis | adult | — |
| Tricos | adult | — |
| Caddis | adult | — |
| Red Quill | — | morning |
| PMD | — | — |
| Hecuba | — | — |
| Trico | adult | — |
| Spruce Moth | adult | — |
| Crane Fly | adult | — |
| Rusty Spinner | spinner | — |
| Micro Caddis | adult | morning |
| Mayfly | — | morning |
| Cranefly | adult | morning |
| Grey Drake | adult | morning |
| Pink Albert | adult | morning |
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Current options in Idaho.
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Fair · Updated 1d ago
Fair · Updated 1d ago
Silver Creek Outfitters
Low and clear water requires stealthy approach and accurate first presentations. Red Quills expected in cooler mornings alongside Baetis, Tricos, flying ants, caddis, and small crane flies.
Silver Creek Outfitters
Water is very low and clear, requiring stealthy approaches; fish may be found in shallow oxygenated riffles above deeper runs. Morning hatches include Red Quill, Baetis, Tricos, flying ants, caddis, and small crane flies; hoppers are sparse but productive.
Silver Creek Outfitters
Low water requires attention to water temperatures especially on the lower river, but cooler conditions are on the way. Multiple hatches including Tricos, Baetis, caddis, and PMDs are present, and the season-ending Hecuba hatch is approaching.
Silver Creek Outfitters
The river is very low but fishing has improved with cooler water temperatures. Larger fish are spooky, so stealthy approaches and covering ground to find less-pressured water are recommended.
Silver Creek Outfitters
The Big Wood is low and clear, making stealth and precise presentations critical as larger fish are very spooky. Anglers should be prepared to cover a lot of water between access points to find less pressured fish.
Silver Creek Outfitters
Fishing has been good in the morning while water is cool, but afternoon heat pushes fish and bugs off. Small nymphs under a high-floating parachute or hopper are effective when searching likely holding water.
Silver Creek Outfitters
Fishing remains good with easy wading and wet wading conditions. Late morning hatches include Tricos, micro caddis, Baetis, spruce moths, and crane flies, while hot afternoons call for hoppers, ants, and nymphs.
Silver Creek Outfitters
Fishing remains good and the river is easy to move about, perfect for wet wading. Water temps are high on the lower river in the afternoon but cooler water can be found further north.
Silver Creek Outfitters
The river continues to drop making wading easier, with hatches strongest in the early morning through midday before heat shuts bug activity down. Bigger fish are scarce this time of year, but hoppers are starting to turn fish; the Bellevue stretch is low and warm so heading north is recommended for afternoon fishing.
Silver Creek Outfitters
Flows are still pushy below the Warm Springs confluence but strong waders can access most of the river. Fishing has been solid in the mornings with multiple hatches active; afternoon fishing is hampered by low, warm water on the lower river.
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