Flow
437 cfs
Trend
Steady
Observed
66d ago
Hatch Status
Primary hatches are caddis and terrestrials such as ants and beetles
Conditions
The Saint Joe is a top summer dry-fly destination right now, with falling water concentrating trout into predictable feeding lanes and plenty of shade keeping fish active despite the heat. As of August 26, flows measured 358 cfs at Calder, stable and wadeable with good diversity of water. Morning hours before 2 p.m. are most productive when temperatures hover around 64°F, warming to 68°F by evening. Caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials including hoppers, beetles, and ants are all active; consider matching them with dries, soft hackles, and nymphs. Fish mid-week for better solitude.
Gauges
Techniques
- Hopper Dropper technique productive on St. Joe
- Fish eating hopper patterns and variety of nymphs
- Large Chubby Chernobyls with a dropper underneath are an excellent way to search for aggressive fish, especially around banks, structure, and broken water.
- Dry fly technique used on St. Joe
- Streamers fished on St. Joe
Recommended flies
Yellow SalliescaddisChubby ChernobylshoppersbeetlesantsX-CaddisGoddardElk Hair Caddissoft hackle emergersstreamersPMXStimmie
Access
The river offers diverse water that holds trout well. Weekend crowds are typical; consider mid-week for better solitude.