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Taite and Amanda, full-time guides, enjoying their day off together on the peaceful waters of Silver Creek.

Winter on the “Wood”- Idaho’s Big Wood River

Winter on Idaho’s Big Wood River offers a unique experience for anglers. Unlike the busy summer months, where we all might find ourselves jostling for the hot spots to cast our lines, winter brings an opportunity to find peace and solitude on the water. And it’s truly the lifeblood of the Wood River Valley.

The Wood is located in central Idaho and flows through the scenic Sun Valley region. Renowned for its world-class ski resort, Sun Valley attracts people from around the world, who drop the big bucks and que up to experience its mountain slopes.

This leaves the rivers here a calm retreat. In winter, only the real and hearty anglers dare to dip their lines and wade the icy waters. With plenty of sunshine and cold, clear skies, winter on the Wood is magical.

The Big Wood River is an approachable, backyard fishery. Spanning 137 miles, it has something for everyone. Mostly a freestone stream, it offers prolific winter fishing. Rainbow trout, brook trout, cuttbows, brown trout and mountain whitefish all call the Wood home at various places throughout its reaches.

Starting in alpine forests, this walk and wade stream is home to wild fish as it cascades through the cottonwood trees entering the towns of Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue, eventually transitioning into a desert river well south of these towns.

But the Wood needs help.

In recent years the native trout population has seen a decline in size and numbers—a bellwether for the health of the river.

Fish on, Amanda on Silver Creek enjoying solitude and the beauty of early winter.
In the heart of winter fly fishing, Amanda faces the cold, wondering which fly will work, her fingers feeling the chill.
Frank Smith, a fly fisherman, guide and devoted dog breeder, finds joy in the company of his son and the lovable trio of dogs he raises.

It’s our home water, time to mend it.

Amanda on the Big Wood with a beautiful brown. Cold wind and frozen fingers are a small price for moments as awesome as this.
Amanda’s opening day on Silver Creek as snow turns into rain. A blend of winter and early spring in Idaho won’t deter her passion for fishing.
Catch, Admire, Release. Shot for Project Big Wood.

This is where Project Big Wood comes in. The project’s mission is to reverse the decline of the Big Wood River—as a voice of the trout—through data collection, education, watershed restoration, policy advocacy and activating local pride.

Project Big Wood is a unique kind of non-profit: part public, part private, part local angler and part government expert, that exists solely to restore, preserve and protect the Big Wood River. The Project activates and cultivates resources to put the recommendations from many studies into a plan and a collective that will take action.

My decision to join Project Big Wood as the Executive Director was driven by a deep alignment with the core values that define the Wood River Valley: a strong sense of community, a focus on local engagement, an unyielding commitment to innovation, and a dedication to championing the heart of our valley, the Big Wood River. 


As a guide, I couldn’t ignore the consistent and concerning transformations within the Big Wood River ecosystem—diminished mayfly hatches, dwindling fish populations, heightened usage and a steady decline in the ecosystem’s overall health. 

These observations made me ponder how I could contribute to lasting change, ensuring the sustainability of our fishery, ecosystem and water resources for future generations. Project Big Wood emerged as the ideal vehicle for this mission, and I am fortunate to be a part of this organization.

It’s an entity that places a premium on innovation, science, growth and advocacy. When applying these principles, real and transformative change within a community becomes possible and deeply fulfilling.

As Project Big Wood continues to expand and our role within the community evolves, we recognize the critical need for dynamic growth. To mend it, we must unite with like-minded organizations, educational programming, and governmental bodies. By forging these strategic partnerships, we can amplify our impact, pool resources, and access valuable expertise to better address the complex challenges facing our watershed.

It’s not only our mission but also our responsibility to ensure the sustainability and vitality of the Big Wood River Valley. The river is more than a water source, it is the heartbeat of our home.

It’s our home water, time to mend it.

-Amanda Bauman, Executive Director of Project Big Wood

Every angler finds herself here at some point. At least Amanda’s got the sunshine.
“Miller Time” kicking back with a cold beer and enjoying the warmer spring temps. Some of the best friendships have been made on the river. Here’s to Amanda, never a dull moment!

Contributed By

Hillary Maybery

Hey there, I’m a SoCal girl at heart, my early days were spent entertaining my competitive spirit as a surfer and equestrian rider. After discovering the darkroom in high school, I fell in love with photography but put that dream on hold to pursue my passion for sports. At 23, I became one of the first female professional snowboarders. I had pro models and spent the next 10 years traveling the world, competing in various events (including the X Games) and making a name for myself as an athlete.

Throughout my snowboard career, I always knew I would return to photography. At 31, I invested in photography school, bought the gear, and took time off to shoot. Making my home in Sun Valley, Idaho I’ve become very passionate about documenting the outdoor lifestyle and taking photographs of people when they’re at their peak stoke levels! My style is a naturalistic approach, and I’m known for my easy-going attitude. I keep my shoots fun, open, and always moving! I’m a wanna-be cowgirl, enjoy a good sipping tequila, married for 19 years and raising our sassy teenage daughter.

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