Magic Dam
Big Wood River · Below Magic Dam · National Weather Service
3 cfs now
Next 48 hours
- Fri, Nov 13
- 4:00 PM MST to 4:00 PM MST
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 11:38 AM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Big Wood River
Big Wood River
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 31
- Species
- 9
The Big Wood River is a classic freestone stream flowing southward from the Sawtooth Mountain Range near Galena Summit through the scenic Wood River Valley in central Idaho. Known for its stunning mountain backdrop lined with cottonwood trees, it offers anglers a diverse and accessible fishery. The river is celebrated for its abundant wild trout population, significant aquatic insect biomass, and forgiving nature that rewards both beginners and experts. It is important to note that the river below the Richfield Canal diversion flows intermittently and does not offer fishing opportunities downstream from where it first crosses under Highway 75 to its confluence with the Little Wood River.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Big Wood River and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutch
Kokanee Salmon
Mountain Whitefish
Prosopium williamsoni
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Rainbow Trout950 fish · 13.0 inAug 26, 2026
- Rainbow Trout950 fish · 13.0 inAug 13, 2026
- Rainbow Trout1,185 fish · 13.0 inJul 23, 2026
- Rainbow Trout856 fish · Catchable sizeJun 29, 2026
- Rainbow Trout1,284 fish · Catchable sizeJun 17, 2026
Source
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Big Wood River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Galena Area Access
Access Point
Galena Access Area
Access Point
North Fork Campground Access Area
Access Point
Adams Gulch Road access
Access Point
Wood River Campground Access Area
Access Point
Prairie Campground Access Area
Access Point
Rt 75 Access
Access Point
FR 181 Access
Access Point
Rt 75 Access
Access Point
Cherry Creek Trail Access
Access Point
Know where you can legally fish on Big Wood River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Idaho licenses and regulations
Idaho Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
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Idaho Fishing License
"To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth. -A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit. -A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit. Special fishing permits are need for some activities for both residents and nonresidents: -Fishing for salmon and steelhead -Fishing with two poles."
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Idaho Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
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Idaho Stream Access Laws
Navigable streams are recognized as public transportation corridors, thus members of the public have the right to use the corridor, provided they enter and exit the corridor at a public right of way and remain within the corridor. Many navigable streams flow through private property, thus it is important that anglers know their rights and responsibilities when fishing in navigable waters that flow through private property.
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Take Big Wood River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Big Wood River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Big Wood River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Big Wood River and check the forecast before you go.
BIG WOOD RIVER NR KETCHUM ID
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Dam releases
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Big Wood River.
Fishing near Big Wood River
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Goose Creek
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Little Wood River
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22.7 miles awayExplore Idaho waters
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