Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime: June - October)

St. Joe River - ID

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

NW Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Looking like a nice week on the Joe. Cooler temps are very welcome for August especially the cooler nights to keep the water temps down.

Directions open in app

Map of St. Joe River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/4/25

Great forecast for August. Cooler temps and hopefully some rain!

Techniques & Tips as of 8/4/25

Dries, droppers, streamers all are good. A big dry with a dropper is a great way to prospect thru the faster water. Terrestrials are starting to be important so don't forget ants, beetles and hoppers.

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime: June - October)

  • Fish Icon

    Primarily Westslope Cutthroat Trout

NW Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adam's Purple Parachute purple 12-16
Sparkle Dun yellow, rusty 12-16
Stimulator olive, yellow, orang 8-16
Elk Wing Caddis tan, brown 16-18
Sparkle Minnow olive, yellow/brown 4-6
Dali Lama olive/white, white, 6
TH Duracell Jig purple, brown 12-16
Indicator Beetle black, green 12-16
Rubber leg nymphs black, olive, brown 8-12
Sculpzilla natural, olive 6-8

Adam's Purple Parachute

Tie on this deadly purple parachute dry fly to show trout something unique.

2.49

Item #7R6K

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NW Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About St. Joe River

The St. Joe River flows through the panhandle region of northern Idaho and is a blue ribbon fishery for Native West Slope Cutthroat trout. The lower portion can be floated but above Avery it is primarily walk and wade water. The best times to count on good fishing are from early June through mid October. Some years like this spring there is decent pre runoff fishing in early to mid spring. These are beautiful fish in a very scenic river.

Nearest Airport:

Spokane International Airport

Hatches:

Goldenstones, cahills, pmd's, caddis, ants, beetles, hoppers

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

Entire River

Best Access:

Pull outs along the road