River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,250cfs at the gage in Mehama. 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 to protect wild winter steelhead.