River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 4,500 cfs at the gage in Mehama. Over 26,500 coho salmon have migrated above Willamette Falls so far, a good proportion of them destined for the North Santiam. Recent warm rain has likely pushed most of these fish into the smaller tributaries, making them no longer accessible to anglers. However, there are more fish on their way from downstream. A bobber and jig set-up or drifting a cluster of eggs is the usual technique, but spin casting with lures or swinging large streamer flies through the pools can also work. Bait is prohibited from now through April 21.

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.