Big Wood - Sawtooth - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Big Wood – Sawtooth - Water Flow Chart
Big Wood – Sawtooth - Weather report & radar
Big Wood – Sawtooth - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midge | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Midge, Little Black Stoneflies | Afternoon | 18-22; 14-16 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge, Black Stimulator |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive Comparadun |
| Midge, Little Black Stoneflies | Afternoon | 18-22; 14-16 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge, Black Stimulator | |
| May | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive Comparadun |
| Salmonfly | All Day | 6-8 | Chubby Chernobyl, Salmon Fly Foam | |
| Golden Stone | All Day | 8-10 | Golden Stonefly Nymph, Golden Stone Dry Fly | |
| June | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive Comparadun |
| Salmonfly | All Day | 6-8 | Chubby Chernobyl, Salmon Fly Foam | |
| Golden Stone | All Day | 8-10 | Golden Stonefly Nymph, Golden Stone Dry Fly | |
| Green Drakes | All Day | 10-14 | Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Cripple | |
| July | Trico | Early Morning | 18-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Golden Stone | All Day | 8-10 | Golden Stonefly Nymph, Golden Stone Dry Fly | |
| Green Drakes | All Day | 10-14 | Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Cripple | |
| Yellow Sally | Afternoon until Dusk | 12-16 | Yellow Sally Stone Dry Fly, Yellow Sally Nymph | |
| August | Trico | Early Morning | 18-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Hopper | All Day | 6-12 | Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper | |
| Yellow Sally | Afternoon until Dusk | 12-16 | Yellow Sally Stone Dry Fly, Yellow Sally Nymph | |
| September | Hopper | All Day | 6-12 | Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper |
| Midge | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive Comparadun |
| November | Midge | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midge | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Big Wood – Sawtooth Access Points
Fly fishing on the Big Wood River in Sawtooth offers remarkable opportunities, but knowing the best access points enhances the overall fishing experience. Here are some notable spots:
- Picabo Bridge: Convenient public access with adjacent parking
- Gimlet Bridge: Preferred by experienced anglers offering deeper pools and technical water
- Highway 20 / Stanton Crossing: Accessible spring but water level may rise in summer
- Ketchum / River Run Day Lodge: Offers access to some of the river’s prime sections
- Warm Springs: Provides conveniently spaced points for all skill levels
Remember to check local regulations for each spot, as they may vary. The Big Wood River is catch and release, single barbless hooks only, which ensures healthy populations for the future.
Big Wood – Sawtooth Fishing Spots
The Big Wood and Sawtooth rivers are renowned for their exceptional fly fishing opportunities. Here are some noteworthy spots:
- North Fork, Big Wood River: A popular part of the river, located just north of Ketchum. It’s packed with Rainbow and Brown trout.
- Warm Springs Creek, Big Wood River: Found at the base of Bald Mountain, this location offers incredible scenic views and a plethora of Cutthroat trout.
- Murphy Bridge, Big Wood River: A tranquil location near Bellevue, also rich with Rainbow and Brown trout.
- Lower Stanley, Salmon River: Near the Sawtooths, this stretch on the Salmon River offers Whitefish and Cutthroat trout, along with a catch-and-release Bull trout fishing.
- Redfish Lake, Sawtooth: Ideal for fishing from the shore or a boat. Species include Rainbow trout and Kokanee Salmon.
All of these locations provide not only a memorable fishing experience but also breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Big Wood – Sawtooth Local Fish Species
- Trout
- Rainbow Trout: This species is one of the most common and popular targets for fly fishing.
- Brown Trout: These are not as plentiful, but they are known for putting up a solid fight, making them a worthy catch.
- Brook Trout: While smaller in size, Brook trout can be found in almost all waters throughout the area.
- Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Sawtooth region, the Cutthroat is an elusive catch with striking markings.
- Grayling: Grayling is an elusive, cold-water fish that takes skill to catch, making it a favorite for many fly fishers in the area.
- Whitefish: Known for their hard pull, Mountain Whitefish are considered a must-catch for fly fishers in the Sawtooth area.
- Chinook Salmon: While less common, there’s an added thrill for fly fishers in landing this larger, hard-fighting fish during the summer season.
About the Big Wood – Sawtooth
If you’re a nature lover, Big Wood – Sawtooth is a must visit! This breathtaking area is located in the heart of Idaho and has a fascinating history. Its journey began over 140 million years ago in the Cretaceous period, with the formation of its stellar granitic rocks.
Here are three fascinating points about its history:
- The stunning Sawtooth Range is a result of powerful tectonic forces that pushed up the Earth’s crust to create these jagged peaks around 40 million years ago.
- Glacial activity additionally shaped the valley’s terrain, carving out its distinctive glacial cirques and U-shaped valleys.
- The area features evidence of human occupation dating back to the paleo-indian period, around 10,000 years ago. This included cultures such as the Shoshone and Bannock peoples.
So, for the authentic combination of nature and history, Big Wood – Sawtooth is unbeatable! Remember, while strolling through its trails, you are treading on millions of years of fascinating geological and human history.
Community Contributions
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