The upper section of this river is not accessible at the moment due to fires closures.  Lower sections below Stayton may be accessible.

No recent fishing reports. 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. 

We are currently in the middle of the Chinook salmon spawn. If you see salmon spawning, please keep your distance so as not spook and stress them. These fish will die soon after spawning so it’s possible you might see some large dead fish in the river. This is a natural phenomenon and their carcasses supply valuable nutrients to the river and the overall food web.

As a reminder, fishing for Chinook salmon is now closed until Oct. 15.
Most summer steelhead have arrived in the basin and will be the main quarry for the next few months. Most of these fish have pushed up higher in the basin to take advantage of the cooler water. More than 5,000 adults have been counted above Willamette Falls. Of those, about 520 have swum up above Stayton and into the upper river. 

A few early coho salmon may also have arrived as well, but the bulk of their run will be in October and November.     
Meanwhile, the river is now open for trout through Oct 31. Only hatchery trout may be kept. Last updated 

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:
Access to the river is restricted, the area is currently under a Level 3 evacuation order.

In general, this river is open year-round to fishing. It was stocked several times during the summer. 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 380 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake.

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Remember, this section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Anglers may see Chinook salmon active spawning over the next few weeks.  Please keep your distance when observing this so as not to stress these fish during this very important time in their life.