SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK):

Flows are in very good shape at the moment, currently around 2,800 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

The Chinook run is fairly good this year, and fish can be found throughout the river up to the deadline at Packsaddle Park. Unfortunately, summer steelhead numbers are off again this year, only 2,400 have been counted above Willamette Falls.    

Meanwhile, the river is now open for trout through Oct 31. Only hatchery trout may be kept.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT:

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was stocked several times in the last few weeks and will continue to get stocked through the end of July. 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 800 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.