SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): Bass, trout, steelhead
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Flows are currently around 1,370 cfs at the gage in Waterloo. Counts of newly arrived summer steelhead and spring chinook have started to take off at Willamette Falls, and many of them have already moved into the basin. About 13,000 adult chinook have been counted at Willamette Falls so far, with many more on the way. Fish can be found throughout river, including at Lebanon, Waterloo and below the deadline at Wiley Creek Park.
As a reminder, bait is not allowed from Nov. 1 to April 21. Last updated 5/28/25.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running around 2,500 cfs at the gage in Mahama. Both the summer steelhead and spring chinook runs are in full swing. Just over 2,000 1,800 summer steelhead have passed above Willamette Falls as of May 16. Hundreds of adult spring chinook are navigating the ladder at Willamette Falls every day. Counts at the falls are over 10,000 so far. Some of these fish have already arrived in the North Santiam basin with more arriving every day.
There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.
Fishing for steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21. Last updated 4/10/25.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running around 2,500 cfs at the gage in Mahama. Both the summer steelhead and spring chinook runs are in full swing. Just over 2,000 1,800 summer steelhead have passed above Willamette Falls as of May 16. Hundreds of adult spring chinook are navigating the ladder at Willamette Falls every day. Counts at the falls are over 10,000 so far. Some of these fish have already arrived in the North Santiam basin with more arriving every day.
There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.
Fishing for steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21. Last updated 4/10/25.