St. Joe Post Memorial Day

Cutthroat nirvana is coming into shape

After a trip to the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River last week I made a quick pit stop over to the St. Joe River on Saturday to see how things were shaping up.

Jen and I drove in from Moon Pass via Wallace and headed upriver to Spruce Tree first. The upper river at Saturday's river levels was pretty limited as expected, but we just wanted to check it out. Aside from the river being full and swift it was running nice and clear. Now that flows have dropped considerably I would absolutely go back. Note that flows are now below average here too so take advantage of some earlier fishing opportunities while we got 'em.

We did fish a spot above Avery and did very well for typical sized cutts. They were pretty eager for a golden chubby or something similar.

As we headed down river and the river spreads wider, more opportunities opened up and as you approach Marble Creek and the entire lower river drainage there were tons of opportunities to find fishable water on foot, and especially if you were floating. The fishing down low was also very good, same thing, a chubby got it done, but a pmd, drake, or purple haze type of pattern was very productive especially later in the day.

I received a note from our guide Bill Johnson who was over on the St. Joe Monday, he echoed the same thing... big fish, lots of them. Chubby with a pheasant tail or caddis pupa dropper, small purple haze in the afternoon.

It's GO-TIME folks! If you want to get out on the water with Bill or Randy give us a call and we will get you on the schedule.