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

St. Joe River - ID

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

NW Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Look for softer water, drop offs, eddies and seams and don't be in a rush to leave fish when you find them. The river came up a little bit with the warm weather but the lower river should continue to fish well.

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Map of St. Joe River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/4/26

Looks like the flows might hover around here for awhile. It would be nice to have a slow drop the next couple weeks.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/4/26

Streamers and nymphs in the morning, but bigger bugs can come off on the warmer days. Look for skwalas and bigger stoneflies, march browns, and drakes to get fish up in. A big dry with a dropper is a great way to search.

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:

Streamers and nymphs, skwalas, salmonflies, march browns, drakes, blue wing olives.

Best Time to Fish:

mid-morning on

Best Stretch:

Avery and down

Best Access:

Pull outs along the road