Many public access points along the river are still closed from recent wildfires, including Fisherman’s Bend, and all recreation areas along the Little North Fork. But Packsaddle Park has re-opened, which is just below Minto Dam. Anglers can still access the river from Stayton downstream and in a few places above such as the Mehama bridge and North Santiam State Park.

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at 3,800 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. Water clarity is good as well.

Chinook salmon returns have started in earnest at Willamette Falls, with hundreds of adult fish passing above the falls daily. Counts are up to 2,346 as of May 2. They should be arriving in the Santiam basin over the next few weeks. Summer steelhead counts are still low, but a few fish can be found already above Stayton with more on the way.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Trout season will start back up again on May 22.  Bait is now allowed until October 31. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead that are caught must be released unharmed.