Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are at 6,400 cfs at the Waterloo gauge. This basin was mostly untouched by wildfires and is safe to explore. 

About 5,500 summer steelhead crossed Willamette Falls on their way to the upper basin and over 800 of these have made it to the fish ladder below Foster Dam. Chinook will begin to arrive in the basin In April and May. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be very good during the warm months below Lebanon.

Anglers should be aware of a new regulation implemented this year. The use of bait is now only allowed April 22 through Oct. 31 from the mouth of the Santiam River up to Minto dam. Outside of those dates, anglers may only use artificial flies and lures.

The entire river is now closed to trout fishing until May 22.