SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK):

Flows are still fairly low for this time of year, currently around 1,850 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs. But rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week and should make for more difficult conditions. 

There are still a fair number of summer steelhead in the river, mostly in the upper part of the basin. The coho salmon run is pretty much done for the year, although a few late running fish may still be around. 

The bag limit for coho is 2 fish per day.

Meanwhile, the river is now closed to trout harvest until May 22 of next year. Notice:
The counting station at Bennett Dam is currently funded through December of this year.   

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT:

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was last stocked in late July with about 3,000 trout. 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 400 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake.

This time of year, the fishing can be hit or miss. Try drifting small nymphs or egg patterns along the edges of fishing lanes. The crowds have also vanished giving the intrepid angler more solitude. 

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. This section of river is closed to salmon fishing.