Idaho’s Big Wood River flows through a very scenic valley where it offers anglers a chance at the numerous wild trout that call the area home. The river is not well known by floaters as it offers limited options. Some folks are using paddle boards because they can access just about anywhere. Otherwise, getting a boat down the river is not easy.
Flows And Weather
BIG WOOD RIVER AT STANTON CROSSING NR BELLEVUE ID
- Temperature: 58.46 ° F
- Streamflow: 372 ft³/s
- Gage height: 5.72 ft
BIG WOOD RIVER NR BELLEVUE, ID
- Temperature: 58.46 ° F
- Streamflow: 89.0 ft³/s
- Gage height: 5.72 ft
Rapids and Float Notes
The slow, lower river has some nice flat water paddling but the stretches are long between access points. This is down in the valley closer to Twin Falls and away from the more mountainous regions.
Diversion ditches create a major hazard for larger crafts so leave the hefty rafts and drift boats behind. Consider a kayak or canoe to cruise through this section and plan for a long day to cover the 20-25 miles between the Glendale and Richfield diversion ditches.
Shuttle Services
You’re on your own with this river. It’s not a popular float and the area as a whole doesn’t have anything floatable within a close enough vicinity to make it work. You can try a sporting goods store or fly shop and cross your fingers. Otherwise, self contain, use a buddy system or maybe post a craigslist ad if you’re willing to take the risk.
Fly Fishing the Big Wood River
Fishing is red hot during the spring, summer and fall and it even has some winter fishing to try when the weather isn’t too bitter cold. It’s a wonderful freestone fishery, rich with aquatic insects and healthy trout.
One dam does exist on the lower river but it actually creates a nice little tailwater fishery that maintains healthy flows throughout the winter months. That means anglers can potentially fish year-round here despite the cold weather.
The fishing is beginner friendly with plenty of willing rainbows, browns, cutthroat trout and even a few brook trout along with whitefish. It also can challenge advanced anglers with hatches and larger fish that are more elusive and difficult to catch. Adding a fishing trip to the Big Wood is a great way to really make the most of your visit to the Sun Valley region of Idaho.
