Saint Joe River

October 16, 2026

By Barbless, compiled each morning from the gauges, forecasts and sources on this page.

Saint Joe River

Current conditions for Saint Joe River · Map, access and gauges

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Flow

390 cfs

Trend

Steady

Observed

2d ago

Hatch Status

BWO's hatching

Conditions

Fall is bringing cooler temperatures and pushing fish out of riffles into deeper, slower water where they're more predictable. Caddis are still hatching, but October Caddis, blue-winged olives, mahogany duns, and midges are increasingly important as the season progresses. Nymphs and slow-moved streamers remain your most reliable approach. As of October 18, flows were running 390 cfs at Ramsdell near St. Maries and holding stable, with clear skies and rising pressure expected to favor afternoon and evening fishing.

Gauges

Techniques

  • Droppers under a medium dry is a great way to prospect
  • Fish have moved out of riffles and upper stretches; plan on fishing deeper, slower water
  • Mornings best with nymph patterns (stones, perdigons, midge pupa, small beadheads like PT's) or slow-moved streamer
  • Adam's Purple Parachute in sizes 12-16
  • Elk Wing Caddis in sizes 16-18
  • Fish have spread back out so cover some water
  • Lots of dry flies out in the afternoon
  • Mid-day and afternoons best for dry fly activity
  • Rubber leg nymphs in sizes 8-12
  • Sculpzilla in sizes 6-8
  • Sparkle Dun in sizes 12-16
  • Stimulator in sizes 8-16

Recommended flies

Nymphs (stones, perdigons, midge pupa, small beadheads)Slow-moved streamersAdam's Purple ParachuteSparkle DunStimulatorElk Wing CaddisTH Duracell JigIndicator BeetleSparkle MinnowDali LamaRubber leg nymphsSculpzilla

Access

Pull-outs along the road above Avery give you easy access to walk and wade water. The lower river floats well if you have a boat.