SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK):

Flows are in very good shape at the moment, currently around 1,200 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

The Chinook run is fairly good this year, and fish can be found throughout the river up to the deadline at Packsaddle Park. Summer steelhead numbers, while low, have improved a bit lately. More than 5,000 adults have been counted above Willamette Falls.     

Meanwhile, the river is now open for trout through Oct 31. Only hatchery trout may be kept. Last updated 8/5/20.

WARNING: There are several large downed trees in the river creating some very dangerous hazards for boaters and people floating in inner-tubes in the section from Green’s Bridge down to the confluence with the South Fork Santiam. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT:

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was stocked several times in the last few weeks and will continue to get stocked through the end of July. Most trout can be found from Marion Forks down to the mouth and are fairly well distributed. Flies and spinners work best, but bait is allowed. The river is flowing at around 440 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake.

While the water is very cold at the moment it is beginning to heat up and so is the fishing.  Small lures, dry flies, and even worms will work.