River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 6,000 cfs at the gauge in Mehama, an uncomfortable level for fishing. ‌

Coho salmon remains the main target species at the moment, although we are now approaching the tail-end of the run. The run this year is at a historically high level, with counts at Willamette Falls above 38,000 so far. A good proportion of these fish are destined for the North Santiam.‌

A warm rain is in the forecast which should bring even more fish into the basin from the Willamette River. Peak time to target these fish is usually in October, but fish will be running through the end of November. ‌

Anglers are reporting catches throughout the river, but the bulk of the fish are still in the lower portions. ‌

Check out these 10 tips for catching more coho. ‌

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed.