St. Joe River Fly Fishing Reports
White Pine Outfitters regularly fishes on the St. Joe River at all seasons of the year. Find maps, conditions, and any other helpful information for a successful North Idaho fishing trip here!
5 June 2025 - St Joe River Fly Fishing Report
Fishing has been hot on the Joe recently. We have been running quite a few trips and have been catching them on just about everything we have thrown at them.
The main hatches we are seeing are Yellow Sallies and March Browns. Para Adams and Purple Haze have been working great in a size 12 or 14 in the slower sections of the river. Nymph rigs we have been running about 5ft down to the point fly being a heavy Pat's Rubber Leg or TJ Hooker trailed by a perdigon in any color. The fish are happy to take a well-presented fly!
29 May 2025 - St Joe River Fly Fishing Report
The flows have consistently risen over the last week and are projected to continue on this path. Although the flows are rising, this is nothing to worry about; these are fishy flows especially from a boat.
Fishing continues to be best from a boat from Marble Creek down. Fishing a hopper dropper set up with a big chubby and tungsten jig has been a great way to pick up fish throughout the day and prospect for fish! We have seen some stoneflies flying around and great mayfly hatches throughout the afternoon.
15 May 2025 - St Joe River Fly Fishing Report
The flows have continued to drop over the last week but expected to spike on Sunday and Monday this next week, so get out in the next few days. The St Joe River Jet Boat races are this weekend, so there will be a lot of traffic on and off the water.
Fishing will be best from a boat from Avery down. We recommend not floating below Calder since this is where they will be racing. Wade fishing is still a bit sporty with the higher flows, but fishing below Avery will be your best bet.
As far as bugs, this is the time for Salmonflies, so using a big chubby with a tungsten nymph or Pat's rubber legs will be a great way to prospect for fish. Nymphing and streamers continue to be a good option with these high spring flows.
1 May 2025 - St Joe River Fly Fishing Report
Fishing on the Joe has remained consistent. With the high spring flows, wade fishing is going to a bit sporty and if you have a boat stick to floating Marble Creek and down.
Nymphing has continued to be the most productive, but if you catch a March Brown hatch, try throwing a soft hackle about 2 ft down to pick more fish. Hopper droppers are still a good go-to, to prospect with skwalas and salmonflies around.
24 April 2025 - St Joe River Fly Fishing Report
Fishing on the Joe has remained consistent even with the recent rise in flows. Don’t let the higher water discourage you—there’s still great fishing to be had if you get out now.
Nymphing and streamer fishing continue to be the most productive methods. A big stonefly pattern with a trailing flashy nymph or squirmy worm has been a solid setup for picking up fish throughout the day. For those looking to throw dries, the best surface action has been around midday, between 1–2 PM, with March Brown and Skwala patterns working well.
17 April 2025 - St Joe Fishing Report
We've been guiding up on the Joe and the fishing has been great. Fish are willing to eat a little bit of everything right now. Streamers have been moving plenty of fish with a slower retrieve, and nymphing continues to be a reliable go-to all day if your jam is throwing bobbers.
Fishing has been best from 9 am to 5 pm and peaking around 1 pm. On the surface, we’re seeing Skwalas, winter stones, and some good March brown hatches. Fishing a hopper-dropper setup with a chubby or Skwala pattern up top has been a great way to cover water and find active fish.
10 April 2025 - St Joe Fishing Report
We've been spending plenty of time on the Joe lately, and the fishing has been excellent! Fish are willing to eat a little bit of everything right now. Streamers have been moving plenty of fish, and nymphing continues to be a reliable go-to.
On the surface, we’re seeing Skwalas, winter stones, and some March browns getting the fish looking up. Fishing a hopper-dropper setup with a chubby or Skwala pattern up top has been a great way to cover water and find active fish.
3 April 2025 - St Joe Fishing Report
We had our first guide trip on the St Joe last Saturday, March 29th, and fishing was productive. Most fish were caught nymphing with long leaders and heavy tungsten nymphs to get down in the high flows.
With flows on the decline and warmer temperatures, you can expect some great spring fishing. Hopper droppers with smaller stonefly patterns, nymphing, and streamer fishing will all produce.
11 July 2024 - St Joe River Fishing Report
With the current heatwave, early morning fishing is your best bet. Transition to summer techniques, using attractor patterns and terrestrials with droppers down about 3 feet. Focus on riffles, drop-offs, and structure—classic summer water spots. Don't forget about the tributaries!
20 June 2024 - St Joe Fishing Report
The St. Joe River has been fishing really well lately. While it's not yet in its full "summer" shape, the river still has a good volume of water. We have had many guided float trips recently and have observed a variety of hatches, with Yellow Sallies being especially prevalent in the late morning. Depending on your location, you might also encounter PMDs, Golden Stones, Green Drakes, and Caddis.
22 July 2023 - St Joe Fishing Report
Fishing on the St. Joe River remains strong, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind due to warm and low water conditions. Fish are definitely starting to get a bit more picky.
24 April 2023 - St Joe River Fishing Report
This last weekend was great dry fly fishing on the St Joe. We found that mid day was prime time to fish March browns and stone fly patterns! Actively scouting for rising fish to target, and focusing on the slower currents.
