River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at 1,530cfs at the gage in Mehama. The chinook run has begun with about 4,500 adults migrating above Willamette Falls so far, of which a good portion are headed for the Santiam basin. About 1,800 adult summer steelhead have migrated above the falls as of April 29. 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. Bait is allowed between April 22 and October 31.