Santiam River
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Recent Guide Reports
Mar 11
Oregon DWR
SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): Bass, trout, steelhead
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000cfs. Flows are currently at around 2,000cfs at the gage in Waterloo. However, lots of rain is expected this week and flows will likely become very high and difficult to fish. 2026 runs of Chinook and summer steelhead have started to trickle in, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov.1 and April 21 to protect winter steelhead. Last updated 03/10/26.
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000cfs. Flows are currently at around 2,000cfs at the gage in Waterloo. However, lots of rain is expected this week and flows will likely become very high and difficult to fish. 2026 runs of Chinook and summer steelhead have started to trickle in, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov.1 and April 21 to protect winter steelhead. Last updated 03/10/26.
Mar 11
Oregon DWR
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,250cfs at the gage in Mehama. The chinook run usually starts in late March or April, along with summer steelhead. A few have begun to trickle in over Willamette Falls, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools.
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 hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21 to protect wild winter steelhead. Last updated 03/10/26.
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,250cfs at the gage in Mehama. The chinook run usually starts in late March or April, along with summer steelhead. A few have begun to trickle in over Willamette Falls, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools.
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 hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21 to protect wild winter steelhead. Last updated 03/10/26.
Mar 11
Oregon DWR
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,250cfs at the gage in Mehama. The chinook run usually starts in late March or April, along with summer steelhead. A few have begun to trickle in over Willamette Falls, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools.
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 hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21 to protect wild winter steelhead. Last updated 03/10/26.
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,250cfs at the gage in Mehama. The chinook run usually starts in late March or April, along with summer steelhead. A few have begun to trickle in over Willamette Falls, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools.
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 hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21 to protect wild winter steelhead. Last updated 03/10/26.