Catch Cutthroat on the St. Joe River
The St. Joe River, located south of 1-90 in North Central Idaho is a premier fishery for west slope cutthroat. It shares a lot of the same characteristics as the famous N. Fork of the Clearwater (Kelly Creek) and the CDA system to the north.
Looking for Good Fishing Access on the St. Joe?
Good access can be had from St Regis (Gold Pass), Wallace, Idaho (Moon Pass) or via the river road from St. Maries, Idaho. When on the Joe you can expect water as clear as gin, tumbling rapids, shadowy deep pools, and classic pocket water. There are also a variety of tributary systems to explore, the most well-known being Marble Creek and the N. Fork of the Joe.
There is "primitive camping" (no water or service sites) for free dotted along the upper river, as well as a horse camp far up into the roadless reach of the upper river. The national forest service has fee campsites along the river available as well.
If you need camping gear, never fear, ours is all online here.
Best (And not so Best) Places to Float the St. Joe
Below Avery the river is well suited to floating, and above Avery can be floated at the right water levels by experienced white water boaters, but has two very challenging rapids, Tumbledown Falls and Skookum Canyon.
There is no need to float above Avery though, as the river is easily waded at summer flows with numerous crossings and seemingly endless water holding fish. Even with the heavy pressure the river can receive there, there’s always a pool or creek that is untouched.
Best Patterns to Throw for Cutthroat on the St. Joe
Typical Cutthroat patterns, like the Stimi Chew Toy, and Chubby Chernobyl work great here. The river has a tendency to turn off mid-day during the hot summer, so switch over to a streamer or double nymph rig and you will keep the catch rates high.
We had a lot of luck on fish that refused our dry fly offering by following up after a couple minutes rest with a Pat’s Rubber Leg of the Night (all black tungsten bead pat’s rubber leg) with a small attractor nymph (cased caddis, micro stone, lighting bug, or prince) as a follow up presentation. Don’t be afraid to throw big sculpin patterns here as well.
You can get the materials to tie most of those patterns online from us right here.
Where to Target the St. Joe... aka Follow the Fish Flows
The fish in the Joe move upstream in the spring to spawn, then hold in the headwaters until September, at which time then begin to school up and migrate to the deep pools below Avery to winter over.
You can find cutthroat anywhere in the system, but the highest fish counts are in the upper river. Fishing heavy pocket water (try in FRONT of the big rocks not behind them) can be great, but try to find hidden buckets that are less obvious among riffles, spots where riffles drop off into deep pools, or shadow stretches of water with large irregular rock bottoms.
When Bit By a Rabid Bat on the St. Joe... Stop Fishing
Our trip was cut short after about 40 fish to the net, as my fishing partner was bit by a rabid bat while fishing. A freak accident for sure, but remember when out in the woods you are far from medical care, so be very mindful and manage the risks that present themselves to you.
There are bears and moose in the area, so it’s always a good idea to carry bear spray and hang your food. Don’t bring food in the tent, and keep your kitchen at least 200 feet from you sleeping area. It is a great place to camp, deep in the river canyon among cedar trees, cooking brats over the fire and gazing at the sky that is as clear as the water.
The St. Joe remains one of my favorite places in the northwest to cast a flyline. If you haven’t had a chance to make it down there now is the time. The river is in great shape and the fish are hungry.
Tight Lines,
Dbise