Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Hayspur Hatchery Accesson Big Wood River

    Access to the lower river where it widens and holds larger brown trout.
    Big Wood River reportDirections43.3440°N, 114.1950°W

    River flow last 30 days

    0255075Sep 16Sep 22Sep 2755 cfs
    Flow now
    54cfs
    Inside the typical range (54–56 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Steady
    55 to 64 cfs
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    What's working on Big Wood River

    1. 01Consistent BWO hatches are providing good dry fly opportunities, especially on overcast afternoons.
    2. 02Midge activity is picking up as water temperatures drop, making small midge patterns effective subsurface.
    3. 03Egg patterns are highly effective as trout enter their spawning season.
    4. 04Streamers, particularly in olive and black, are enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout.
    5. 05October Caddis may provide opportunities for large dry fly eats.

    What to tie on at Hayspur Hatchery Access

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18

    A classic and versatile searching nymph that imitates various mayfly nymphs active year-round, making it a dependable fall pattern.

    nymph80%

    Jujubaetis

    #18#20#22

    A highly effective Baetis nymph that works year-round, making it a reliable subsurface pattern for fall.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, excellent for enticing aggressive trout and whitefish in cooling fall waters.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    The primary food source on the Big Wood in February. Black or red in sizes 20-22 are essential for imitating midge pupae in the drift.

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    dry80%

    Griffith's Gnat

    #18#20#22#24

    The best bet for dry fly action when midges cluster on the surface during the 1 PM to 3 PM afternoon window.

    dry80%

    Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun

    #18#20#22

    Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early spring, especially on overcast days, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are a primary food source for trout year-round, and this nymph is consistently effective for subsurface feeding fish in tailwaters and slower pools.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph80%

    Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18

    An excellent general searching nymph for early spring, mimicking various mayfly nymphs that are active year-round and particularly as BWOs begin to emerge.

    dry80%

    Klinkhammer

    #12#14#16#18#20

    An excellent emerger pattern for both mayfly and caddis hatches throughout the spring, presenting well in the surface film to rising fish.

    Buy at Amazon

    Idaho season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

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