Idaho Fish Report

A few access points along the river that were closed by the 2020 wildfires have recently re-opened, including Packsaddle Park and Fisherman’s Bend Boat Ramp, although the latter is only set up for day use. Anglers can still access the river from Stayton downstream and in a few places above such as the Mehama bridge and North Santiam State Park.

The gate at Green’s Bridge is now closed for the summer. Those wishing to obtain a key to launch and retrieve boats need to call ODFW (541-757-4186) and fill out a form. Once registered, anglers can pick up their key at Clyde’s Lock and Safe in Salem. 

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,120 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should hold steady for the next few weeks. Water temperatures might become an issue over the next few weeks. Anglers are encouraged to fish early or late in the day when water temperatures are cooler and fish are less stressed. 

The 2022 upper Willamette spring Chinook run has pretty much run its course and it was a pretty decent year. Total count of adult Chinook is at 38,600 as of Aug 3. Summer steelhead counts were also much improved over last year with the count now up to 5,720 fish, with the run not quite over yet.  Counts at Stayton show over 6,200 hatchery chinook and 850 summer steelhead have entered the upper river. As a reminder, chinook fishing closes on Aug 31 and will re-open again on Oct 15. 

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Trout season opened on May 22, which means that anglers may keep up to five clipped trout per day. Bait is now allowed until Oct. 31. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed.