The river is currently running at around 4,500 cfs

Santiam River ( North Fork) - Stayton, OR


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
1-13-2026
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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 Mahama. Flows will likely continue to drop through the week as dry weather moves in. The chinook run usually starts in late March or April, along with summer steelhead. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools.

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 hatchery steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21.




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