River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,640 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should be the norm until the fall rains begin.

Most of the summer steelhead have migrated up into the river and are working their way towards the upper sections of the river where water temperatures are coolest. This year's summer steelhead run was the strongest since 2016 with over 4,800 adults counted at Stayton. Summer steelhead can be active throughout September and October.

It is another record run year for coho salmon in the Willamette. Already total counts of adult coho salmon exceed 45,000 with another month and more of counting in front of us. A fair number of these fish are destined for the North Santiam.

Numbers in the North Santiam are still modest, but more fish are coming every day. Counts at Stayton show that 670 adult coho have passed into the upper river, including the Little North Fork Santiam, as of Oct 13 At this early stage in the run, your best bet is in the lower sections of the river where fish are more concentrated.

Check out 10 tips for catching coho.

Fishing for spring Chinook is now closed. Anglers may see spawning or spawned out salmon in the river. Please give these fish enough distance to complete their life cycle. Don't let dogs to eat or chew on salmon carcasses as these contain a toxin that can be lethal to dogs.