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

St. Joe River - ID

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

NW Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Once again this heat has slowed it down this week. Some cooler nights next week will help a lot.

Directions open in app

Map of St. Joe River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/20/26

Tough conditions right now. Head advisory and fire watch the next couple days, but then hopefully some cooler nights coming.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/20/26

Might need to give a break this weekend. After we got some cooler nights the fishing should pick back up.

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
TH Duracell Jig purple, brown 12-16
Indicator Beetle black, green 12-16
Sparkle Minnow olive, yellow/brown 4-6
Dali Lama olive/white, white, 6
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

Buy Now

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:

Golden stones, hoppers, ants, beetles, hoppers, pmd's, caddis

Best Time to Fish:

mornings

Best Stretch:

Entire river

Best Access:

Pull outs along the road