The Big Wood River is a tailwater in Idaho, listed as Featured sport-fishing water by Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
2 USGS gauges on the water report flow; Idaho Department of Fish and Game lists 5 species, including brook trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. 1 guide and 2 shops nearby are listed here.
Big Wood River is a tailwater in Idaho.
Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.
Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.
Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles
Map of Big Wood River: gauges, shops and guides
Map of Big Wood River with 2 USGS gauges.
Restrooms within 2 miles of Big Wood River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.
Map of 6 restrooms near Big Wood River
Skip the map; every place is in the list belowMap of 6 restrooms near Big Wood River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
At a campground · United States Forest Service
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
At a campground · United States Forest Service
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Magic ReservoirHenrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Magic Reservoir.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Stalker Creek
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Camas CreekThe Fall River in autumn, Idaho. Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Camas Creek.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Grove CreekThe South Fork of the Snake River, Idaho (BLM). Photo: Bob Wick / Bureau of Land Management, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Grove Creek.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Loving CreekThe Teton River near Driggs, Idaho. Photo: Waldemarpaetz, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Loving Creek.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Thorn Creek ReservoirEnnis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Thorn Creek Reservoir.
Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.
Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout.
On the IDFG Recommended Fishing Waters (Idaho Fishing Planner) list (Idaho Department of Fish and Game, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
On the Special Rule Waters (trout / salmon / gear rules) list (Idaho Department of Fish and Game, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.
1 guide name it on their website
Picabo, ID · 15 mi
Wade trips · Jet boat · Silver & Big Wood
Names this water
The species the agency lists here; presence varies by reach and season.
Listed by the state agency
Species guide
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Species guide
Brown trout (Salmo trutta), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service illustration. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Species guide
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
5 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Mother's Day caddis (Grannom) (May) · Salmonfly (May to June) · Salmonfly (May to July) · Salmonfly (July) · Trico (August to September)
None of our destination hubs is within 40 miles in a straight line. The trip planner builds a trip around the water itself: the guides and shops listed within 40 miles of it, its gauges and its nearest towns and airports.
No hub within 40 miles
Matched on the fish the agencies list for both waters first, then the same water type, an official designation or flagship listing on both, and a similar mapped size where USGS hydrography covers both.
At most two waters per country. A shared fish is a listing, not a promise: presence varies by reach and season.
Like the Big Wood River? Same fish, overseas.
Flagship waterThe Meander River in Deloraine, Tasmania. Photo: Gary Houston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
TailwaterThe Grand River just north of Paris, Ontario, looking upstream. Photo: JustSomePics, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Flagship waterThe Tekapo–Pukaki hydro canal, Mackenzie Country, Canterbury. Photo: Avenue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TailwaterThe lower Clutha River / Mata-Au and Inch Clutha from Kaitangata. Photo: Andrewrutherford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TailwaterRepresentative photo · not Río CalcurrupeThe Río Toltén at Pocoyán. Photo: Maxbalter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Calcurrupe.
TailwaterRepresentative photo · not Brumbys CreekThe South Esk River, Tasmania. Photo: Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Brumbys Creek.
Southern seasons open while ours close.
Flagship waterPenstock Lagoon, Central Highlands, Tasmania. Photo: Mike Cline, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río PetrohuéThe Río Puelo at Las Gualas, Cochamó. Photo: Nicolás from seno de reloncaví, Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Petrohué.
Lake or reservoirRepresentative photo · not Lago LlanquihueThe Río Simpson passing Coyhaique, Aysén. Photo: Manxuc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lago Llanquihue.
Lake or reservoir
Flagship waterRepresentative photo · not Mataura RiverThe Oreti River near Lumsden, Southland. Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons Not Mataura River.
Flagship waterGreat Lake, Tasmania. Photo: Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A wade-fishing checklist for big western trout rivers: a 9 ft 5–6 weight outfit, nymph, dry and streamer setups, waders, boots and a wading staff, with estimated prices by tier and where to buy.
9′ rod, 5–6 weight, floating line · Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish
Open the checklistSeams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on reading water
Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on nymphing
Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Big Wood River.
No stories from here yet.
Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.
A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.
Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge BIG WOOD RIVER BL MAGIC DAM NR RICHFIELD ID. Water type is our own classification.
Limited data: Normal flow for the date: no water temperature here
No water temperature here.
At BIG WOOD RIVER NR KETCHUM ID (USGS 13135500) · 1 of 2 gauges below Provisional USGS data
USGS 13135500 · NWS BWKI1
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 4:45 PM MDT to Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST; ranging 53.5 to 67.2 ft³/s; latest 55.8 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST | 57 | 4.96 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST | 62 | 5 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST | 62 | 5 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST | 62 | 5 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST | 62 | 5 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST | 62 | 5 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST | 63.3 | 5.01 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST | 63.3 | 5.01 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST | 63.3 | 5.01 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST | 67.2 | 5.04 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST | 67.2 | 5.04 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST | 67.2 | 5.04 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST | 67.2 | 5.04 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST | 67.2 | 5.04 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST | 67.2 | 5.04 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST | 65.9 | 5.03 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST | 64.6 | 5.02 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST | 63.3 | 5.01 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST | 63.3 | 5.01 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT | 62 | 5 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT | 60.7 | 4.99 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT | 59.5 | 4.98 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT | 58.2 | 4.97 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT | 55.8 | 4.95 |
| Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT | 57 | 4.96 |
| Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT | 54.6 | 4.94 |
| Oct 29, 4:45 PM MDT | 53.5 | 4.93 |
Normal for Nov 5: 54–73 ft³/s (middle half of 38 years of record). Now: 55.8 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 55.8 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 38 years of record (1949–2026): 10th 47, 25th 54, median 61, 75th 73, 90th 89 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 42 ft³/s, highest 118 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (−4.1% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 4.96 ft stage, 57 ft³/s at Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST (NWS gauge BWKI1; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:32 AM MST. Highest point: 5.02 ft, 65 ft³/s on Nov 15, 5:00 AM MST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 4.97 ft | 58 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 4.98 ft | 59 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 4.98 ft | 59 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 4.98 ft | 59 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 4.98 ft | 59 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 4.98 ft | 59 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 4.99 ft | 61 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 5 ft | 62 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 5 ft | 62 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 5.01 ft | 63 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer: the trout lines Idaho Fish and Game uses are 66°F and 73°F.
Species the agency lists for Big Wood River: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Redband Trout.
Source: IDFG Recommended Fishing Waters (Idaho Fishing Planner) (Idaho Department of Fish and Game).
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 13142500 · NWS BWMI1
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 5:00 PM MDT to Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST; ranging 2.41 to 2.96 ft³/s; latest 2.96 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 3:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 2:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 1:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 12:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 10:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 9:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 8:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 7:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 5, 6:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 5, 5:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 4:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 3:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 5, 2:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 5, 1:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 5, 12:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 11:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 10:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 9:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 8:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 7:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 6:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 5:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 4, 4:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 4, 3:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 4, 2:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 4, 1:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 4, 12:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 4, 11:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 10:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 9:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 8:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 7:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 6:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 5:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 4:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 3:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 2:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 1:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 4, 12:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 11:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 10:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 9:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 8:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 7:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 6:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 5:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 4:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 3:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 2:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 1:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 12:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 11:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 10:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 9:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 8:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 3, 7:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 6:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 5:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 4:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 3:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 2:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 1:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 3, 12:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 11:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 10:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 9:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 8:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 7:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 6:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 5:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 4:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 3:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 2:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 1:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 12:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 11:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 10:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 9:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 8:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 7:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 6:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 5:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 4:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 3:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 2:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 1:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 2, 12:00 AM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 1, 11:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 1, 10:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 1, 9:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 1, 8:00 PM MST | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Nov 1, 7:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 6:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 5:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 4:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 3:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 2:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 12:00 PM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 11:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 10:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 9:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 8:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 7:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 6:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 5:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 4:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 3:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 2:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 AM MST | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 AM MDT | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Nov 1, 12:00 AM MDT | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Oct 31, 11:00 PM MDT | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Oct 31, 10:00 PM MDT | 2.96 | 1.8 |
| Oct 31, 9:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 8:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 7:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 6:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 5:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 4:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 3:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 2:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 1:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 12:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 11:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 10:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 9:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 8:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 7:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 6:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 5:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 4:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 3:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 2:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 1:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 31, 12:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 11:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 10:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 9:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 8:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 7:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 6:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 5:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 4:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 3:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 2:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 1:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 12:00 PM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 11:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 10:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 9:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 8:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 7:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 6:00 AM MDT | 2.68 | 1.79 |
| Oct 30, 5:00 AM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 30, 4:00 AM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 30, 3:00 AM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 30, 2:00 AM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 30, 1:00 AM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 30, 12:00 AM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 11:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 10:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 9:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 8:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 7:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 6:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
| Oct 29, 5:00 PM MDT | 2.41 | 1.78 |
Normal for Nov 5: 3.7–14 ft³/s (middle half of 115 years of record). Now: 2.96 ft³/s, below normal.
Below normal for this date. 2.96 ft³/s is between the 10th and 25th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 115 years of record (1912–2026): 10th 1.8, 25th 3.7, median 8.2, 75th 14, 90th 103 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 0.45 ft³/s, highest 881 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (+0% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 1.8 ft stage, 3 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST (NWS gauge BWMI1; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:32 AM MST. Highest point: 1.8 ft, 3 ft³/s on Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 1.8 ft | 3 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer: the trout lines Idaho Fish and Game uses are 66°F and 73°F.
Species the agency lists for Big Wood River: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Redband Trout.
Source: IDFG Recommended Fishing Waters (Idaho Fishing Planner) (Idaho Department of Fish and Game).
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Checked Nov 5, 4:20 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Magic ReservoirHenrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Magic Reservoir.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Stalker CreekFeatured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Camas CreekThe Fall River in autumn, Idaho. Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Camas Creek.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Grove CreekThe South Fork of the Snake River, Idaho (BLM). Photo: Bob Wick / Bureau of Land Management, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Grove Creek.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Loving CreekThe Teton River near Driggs, Idaho. Photo: Waldemarpaetz, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Loving Creek.
Featured sport-fishing waterRepresentative photo · not Thorn Creek ReservoirEnnis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Thorn Creek Reservoir.
