St. Joe River | ID Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions

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.

NW Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Super Strong Plus Leaders
Best Tippet:

SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
Best Fly Fishing Rod:

5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
Best Floating Fly Line:

PowerTaper WF Fly Line
Best Sinking Fly Line:

Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line

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.

St. Joe River - ID

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

NW Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Directions open in app

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/21/26

Techniques & Tips as of 9/21/26

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

NW Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

Adam’s Purple Parachute

NW Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Best Tippet:

Best Fly Fishing Rod:

Best Floating Fly Line:

Best Sinking Fly Line:

Description: About St. Joe River

Nearest Airport:

Hatches:

Best Time to Fish:

Best Stretch:

Best Access: