A few access points along the river that were closed by the 2020 wildfires have recently re-opened, including Packsaddle Park and Fisherman’s Bend Boat Ramp, although the latter is only set up for day use. 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.

The gate at Green’s Bridge is now closed for the summer. Those wishing to obtain a key to launch and retrieve boats need to call ODFW (541-757-4186) and fill out a form. Once registered, anglers can pick up their key at Clyde’s Lock and Safe in Salem. 

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,620 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should hold steady for the next few weeks. Water temperatures might become an issue over the next few weeks. Anglers are encouraged to fish early or late in the day when water temperatures are cooler and fish are less stressed. 

Fishing for Chinook is now closed through Oct.15, but summer steelhead are still available.  Summer steelhead counts were much improved over last year with the count now up to 5,720 fish, with the run not quite over yet. Counts at Stayton show over 870 summer steelhead have entered the upper river. Coho salmon will begin to arrive in the latter half of September.

Anglers may see salmon actively spawning along the river. Please keep your distance and do not disturb them during this time so they can complete this vital step in their life cycle. Also, please keep your dog away from salmon carcasses as they can make dogs very ill, even fatally so, if they are consumed.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Trout season opened on May 22, which means that anglers may keep up to five clipped trout per day. Bait is now allowed until Oct. 31. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed.