Loading trail…
Idaho · Fishing
Avery sits deep in the St. Joe River corridor in the Idaho Panhandle, a small railroad town that most anglers drive past on their way somewhere else — which is exactly why it's worth stopping.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
No additional spots match this filter.
Avery sits deep in the St. Joe River corridor in the Idaho Panhandle, a small railroad town that most anglers drive past on their way somewhere else — which is exactly why it's worth stopping. The fishing here splits into two distinct experiences: lake fishing at Northbound Lake and river fishing along the stretches accessible from cabins like the Beaver Creek A-Frame and Red Ives Cabin, both of which put you within easy reach of moving water. The St. Joe drainage runs cold and clear through this part of Shoshone County, and the river-fishing options here tend to reward anglers who are willing to wade and read water rather than those looking for a stocked pond experience. Access to the area runs through Forest Service roads that can be rough depending on the season, so trip planning matters more here than it would closer to a highway corridor. With three active listings covering both lake and river fishing, Avery works well as a base for anglers who want to mix up their approach across a few days rather than commit to a single spot.
The listings in this area cover two types: lake fishing at Northbound Lake and river fishing accessible from the Beaver Creek A-Frame Cabin and Red Ives Cabin. If you want moving water, the cabin-based options are your best starting point since they're positioned along river access points in the St. Joe drainage.
Waders and wading boots are worth packing for the river-fishing spots — the St. Joe and its tributaries require you to get in the water to reach the better runs. A medium-light spinning or fly rod in the 8-9 foot range handles most situations here. Bring a valid Idaho fishing license and check current regulations for the specific water body before you go, as rules can vary by tributary.
Beaver Creek A-Frame Cabin
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Elk Creek Campground (clearwater Nf)
~1h 5m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Dent Acres
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Red Ives Cabin
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Northbound Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Huckleberry Campground
~60 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Diamond Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
St. Joe River Area
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Oregon Lakes
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Crystal Lake
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Fish Lake Trailhead
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Steep Lakes
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Also worth it near here
Late spring through early fall is the primary window, with early summer being productive on the rivers once runoff settles and water clarity improves. Early mornings and evenings are consistently better for river fishing when temperatures are up. Northbound Lake can fish well through more of the day during summer.
Avery is accessible via Highway 3 and Forest Service roads heading into the St. Joe National Forest. The roads to spots like Red Ives Cabin get progressively rougher the further you go, and some require a high-clearance vehicle, especially early in the season. Check road conditions with the St. Joe Ranger District before heading out if you're unsure about access.
Northbound Lake is the more approachable option for beginners since lake fishing generally requires less technical skill than reading and wading a river. The river-fishing spots near Beaver Creek and Red Ives are better suited to anglers who have some experience with moving water and basic casting technique, though they're not expert-only water.
