The Saint Joe River er (aka the “Joe”) is a freestone that starts in the Bitterroot Mountains and flows more than 70 miles through a deep, rugged forest in the panhandle of northern Idaho before draining into Lake Coeur d’Alene. It is a wonderful fishery which offers gorgeous scenery, crystal clear emerald green waters, aggressive Westslope Cutthroat Trout that love to eat dry flies, and ample places to camp right next to the river.
There is a ton of water here, and this self-guided walk and wade experience is for the Upper St Joe -- my favorite section, because it's the best fishing and well past the RVs, cabins, crowds, swimmers/boaters, cafes and cars. Ask any fly angler and they'll tell you "go to the upper Joe if you can"! You'll get a true wilderness experience (hike-in spots too!) where the water temps are better for the fish and they get less angling pressure.
This guide will show you specific coordinates to the best fishing spots (and how to reach them) and the best camping spots (dispersed and forest service campgrounds). I'll tell you where to fish, where to park, what you'll catch, and how to have the best wilderness fly fishing excursion -- for a day or more, alone or with friends!
