St. Joe River
river in Idaho
The St. Joe in north Idaho is a scenic, productive trout river offering remote and accessible sections, appealing to anglers seeking brook, cutthroat and bull trout among deep pools and forested runs.
Anticipate active Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches
- 01Anticipate active Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast afternoons. Look for selective feeders in softer currents.
- 02The significant October Caddis hatch will present opportunities for aggressive takes on larger dry flies.
- 03Egg patterns are critical due to ongoing salmonid spawning activity throughout the river system.
- 04Streamers mimicking baitfish and leeches will entice larger, aggressive trout in deeper pools and runs.
- 05Focus on fishing nymphs thoroughly in deeper water, as trout may be less willing to move far for food in cooling temperatures.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, triggering strikes from aggressive trout in colder fall waters.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season due to salmon and trout spawning, making egg patterns highly effective.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, providing excellent dry fly opportunities for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
This weighted stonefly nymph is effective year-round and crucial for getting deep to actively feeding trout in freestone rivers.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, especially for trout feeding in the film.
Complex Twist Bugger
An effective streamer for targeting aggressive trout looking for baitfish or leeches in the current conditions of fall.
October Caddis (Dry)
The October Caddis hatch is a significant event in fall on western rivers, attracting aggressive strikes from trout.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Moyie-Conkling Park access
Good public put-in and day-fishing access with productive runs and pocket water.
St. Maries access / Thompson Falls stretch
Well-known public access below Thompson Falls with a mix of wade and float opportunities.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Castaway Fly Fishing Shop
Fins & Feathers
Northwest Outfitters
Northwest Outfitters - Orvis Northwest Outfitters
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Idaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
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Quick answers
Common questions about St. Joe River.
What flies work best on St. Joe River?
Our top scored fly patterns for St. Joe River right now are Sparkle Minnow (90% confidence), Stimulator (90% confidence), Pat's Rubber Legs (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
Is St. Joe River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for St. Joe River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.