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

St. Joe River - ID

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

55

NW Outfitters's Tip of the Week

As it gets colder you don't need to go up as high anymore. It can still be good, but the lower river has been fishing well too if you don't want to drive as high. Nymphing and streamer fishing will become more important especially in the mornings, but there can still be good dry fly activity throughout the day.

Directions open in app

Map of St. Joe River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/25/23

Rainier and cooler this week and it feels like fall has taken hold so grab the waders and your rain jacket and enjoy!

Techniques & Tips as of 9/25/23

Medium attractors with droppers will work well later in the day as the fishing warms up. A tandem nymph rig under an indicator or stripping streamers are good earlier in the day or when the river is flucuating during a storm.

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):
Adams gray, female 12-16
Stimulator orange, yellow, oliv 6-16
Cone Head Marabou Muddler olive, brown 4-6
Adam's Purple Parachute purple 14-18
Sparkle Minnow olive, yellow/brown 4-6
Dali Lama olive/white, white, 6
TH Duracell Jig purple, brown 12-16
Tungsten Jig Bugger black, olive, tan 6-10
Rubber leg nymphs black, olive, brown 8-12
Sculpzilla natural, olive 6-8

Adams

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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:

October Caddis, Mahoganies, blue wing olives, pmd's, caddis, spruce moths

Best Time to Fish:

Late morning to evening

Best Stretch:

Entire river

Best Access:

Pull outs along the road