Santiam River ( North Fork) Fish Report for 3-16-2022
Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round
Santiam River ( North Fork) - Stayton, OR
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
3-16-2022
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Many public access points along the river are still closed from last year’s wildfires, including Fisherman’s Bend, and all recreation areas along the Little North Fork. But Packsaddle Park has recently re-opened, which is just below Minto Dam. Anglers can still access the river from Stayton downstream and in a few places above such as the Mehama bridge and North Santiam State Park.
No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at 3,250 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. Water clarity is good as well.
Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Last year’s disappointing run is over and done, but the first few new arrivals have been counted at Willamette Falls. It will take another month or so before they can reliably be targeted in the North Santiam. Trout season will start back up again on May 22.
For the next few months things are going to be fairly quiet as far as fishing on the river goes. There are still a few summer steelhead around, but the next run of spring chinook and summer steelhead won’t arrive until late April/early May. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead that are caught must be released unharmed. Anglers should be aware that bait is no longer allowed after Oct. 31 and until April 22.
More Reports
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, March 16th, 2022Imnaha River: Mid-March through mid-April often is one of the best periods for steelhead fishing
Wallowa Lake : Wallowa Lake has had ice on in throughout the latter part of the winter
Crooked River: The Crooked River remains low, so anglers might look for trout in deeper waters
Lake Billy Chinook: Fishing is off to a good start since the lake opened on March 1
Metolius River: March can be a good month for fishing on the Metolius
Pine Hollow Reservoir: The reservoir is schedule to be stocked later this month
Prinevile Reservoir: Trout fishing continues to be good near the dam
Blue River Reservoir: Will be stocked this week for the first time this season
Detroit Reservoir: Currently the reservoir water level is about 70 feet above the bottom of Mongold boat ramp
Dexter Reservoir: Will be stocked again this week
EE Wilson Angling Pond: The pond is stocked with trout from February through May
Green Peter Reservoir: This reservoir is slowly filling again
Hills Creek Reservoir: Hills Creek Reservoir will be stocked this week
Junction City Pond: The pond was stocked last week
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Sunday, March 13th, 2022Columbia River: March 16 Bonneville Pool sturgeon retention day cancelled
: Oregon Troll Salmon Action Notice
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