River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,420 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should be the norm throughout the summer months. ‌

With the arrival of the first summer steelhead and Spring chinook of the season the fishing is beginning to heat up. This year's summer steelhead run is the strongest since 2016 with over 3,700 adults already counted at Stayton. As of late June, they have counted over 16,000 adults passing above Willamette Falls.‌

Spring chinook numbers increased dramatically over the last couple of weeks with hundreds being added to the count daily. Over 17,000 adults have been counted at Willamette Falls so far. These fish will likely pour into the North Santiam throughout June and July. Currently, fish can be found throughout the river from the mouth to Packsaddle Park near Gates.