Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Central Region
The Big Wood River runs past Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey, with wild rainbows in riffles and runs close to town.
Looking for the latest Big Wood River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Big Wood River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Big Wood River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is low and clear, and the valley is getting cold.
BWOs on cloudy afternoons, and nymphs in the deeper runs.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Ketchum to Bellevue, bring: Parachute Adams #16-20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, JuJu Baetis #18-20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Hopper #10-12, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Big Wood River details
| Access | Bike path access and public sites from Ketchum to Bellevue. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,300 to 5,800 ft |
| Nearest town | Hailey, Idaho |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Wild rainbow trout, brook trout |
| Regulations | Catch-and-release on parts of the Big Wood. Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seasons and rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | Sawtooth National Forest campgrounds north of Ketchum |
| Kids | Yes. Easy access from the bike path. |
| Good to know | Be aware of private land along the river. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges on warm days.
Spring
Runoff.
Summer
Caddis, PMDs and drakes.
Fall
BWOs and October caddis.
How to get there
From Twin Falls, take US-93 and State Highway 75 north to Hailey and Ketchum.