Fishing Conditions on the North Santiam, August 23, 2012

River flows volumes are excellent right now , currently around 1,160 cfs at Mehama on the North Fork with good visibility.  Conditions are expected to stay at these levels for the next week.  Most of the salmon and steelhead have moved into the upper river.  Based on video monitoring at Bennett dam near Stayton, approximately 3,600 summer steelhead and 3,500 spring chinook have moved into the upper river system.

As a reminder, the retention of chinook is prohibited between Aug. 15 and Nov. 1 in order to protect spawning fish. If you see chinook spawning please do not disturb them or their beds and refrain from wading or swimming near their spawning grounds to ensure future fishing opportunities.