Overview

While it flows through scenic areas to Magic Reservoir, and ultimately the Snake River, Big Wood attracts anglers and offers some scenic rafting for those craving beautiful views.

Location & Information

The Big Wood River gets its name from the many downed cottonwoods that line it’s banks and lie submerged in its waters of trout. For about 50 miles, it flows more or less alongside Idaho Route 75 from U.S. Highway 20, winding (but not meandering) through high desert from its headwaters Galena Summit to Magic Reservoir.

As part of the Silver Creek region, the Big Wood River is a freestone stream that depends mostly on the run off from melted snow and rainwater. For this reason, its season runs from mid to late June right through the fall, leaving ample opportunity to fish for the many rainbow, brown, and brook trout that populate the Big Wood.

Idaho Fish and Wildlife: (208) 334-3700

Fishing

The primary reason individuals seek out the Big Wood River is to enjoy the great fishing that can be found all along the route of the river and on it’s many tributaries. The Big Wood River is an outstanding freestone fishery. It flows through scenic terrain on its way to Magic Reservoir and eventually the Snake River. Tough rainbows and browns provide anglers with great seasonal fishing.

Fishing the Big Wood is done primarily by wading, and with many access points along the shore it is easy to get there whether you want to fish for an entire day or just an hour. The most popular fishing areas are the middle and lower parts of the river and except for a few areas with a 2 kill maximum, most of the river is catch and release.

The Big Wood appeals to anglers of every ability. If you are new to the area or to the sport, there are several guide services available to show you around this exceptional river.