NOTICE: A recreational use advisory was issued by the Oregon Health Authority for Detroit Lake and the North Santiam River below due to high levels of a toxin caused by a cyanobacteria bloom. For more information visit this link. ‌

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,250 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should be the norm throughout the summer months. ‌

Most of the summer steelhead and spring Chinook have migrated up into the river and are working their way towards the upper sections of the river where water temperatures are coolest. This year's summer steelhead run is the strongest since 2016 with over 4,500 adults already counted at Stayton. As of July 22, they have counted nearly 18,000 adults passing above Willamette Falls.‌

Spring chinook numbers have improved from a relatively slow start. Over 19,500 adults have been counted at Willamette Falls so far.

There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river.