North Santiam River

[Williedrifter]

Does anyone fish the North Santiam near Mehema for winter steelhead, I usually fish the Alsea, Siletz but was thinking about the Santaim. Also does the Little North Santiam get a run of winter steelhead? Any ideas/theories would be appreciated.

[ssteelheadsteve]

Funny how these questions are all ones I asked myself some 30-40 years ago http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif
ODF&W tried to eradicate the wild winter steelhead in the N.Santiam.They were allmost successfull.Both Forks have remnant wild runs.Peak run timming around Mehama would be about the second 2 weeks of March.Depends on Water level and temp at the O.C. falls.I used to spend the last 2 weeks of March and at least the first 3 weeks of April on the N.Santiam.That would be every day that was remotely fishable.It takes a lot to blow out the N.Fork.then it takes a while to clear.There used to be so many fish that we would fish it like the coast streams in high water.6 inches of visability, find a "slot" and camp on it.They came to you.
When they first started planting S.Steelhead in the Santiam you could catch both chrome winters and summers in the same trip.Summers now come later and are much weaker fish than 20 years ago.Winter fish were great fighters.Most days I would never see another Drift Boat.When you did you smiled,said hi and exchanged information.Not quite like today.
It is probaably just a matter of time before OT,NFS,and TU have their way on the Santiam.I expect the same thing that is happening to the Sandy will SOON happen to the Santiam.At least the N.Fork.Probably the S.Fork too as it also has a remnant run of wild W.Steelhead.I expect to see the end of hatchery S.Steelhead in the Santiam and far fewer Springers Planted.The W.Steelhead hatchery componet is very small and hardly worth fishing.Unless you think a 1 fish day is GOOD http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif.
I believe that Santiam W.Steelhead are now listed as "threatend" but are VERY close to being listed as "Endangered".NMFS keeeps changing the number of fish in a declining population that is needed to move around in the catagories.Before ODF&W tried to Kill the Winter Steelhead in the Santiam runs approaching 30,000 W. Stelhead crossed the Falls.That was some good fishing.Do you know how many W. Steelhead have been crossing the O.C. Falls over the last decade ? With that said I am sure some cracker jack no talent bobber & jig Angler will come back to this post and tell you what a great time he has been having on the Santiam.Research the Numbers and you will see who speaks the REEL TRUTH.Didn't want to hear that did Ya ? I guess I should just stop posting here.Yeah I think I will.

[willierower]

I havent fished the North up by Mehama. But Ive fished it from Greenes Bridge down to Jefferson. Ive had a couple decent days on the North, 2 to 3 fish. The best times to fish is late Feb. through March and into April. Between the winter fish and run back summers you could have a good day.
3 yeasrs ago we actually caught some hatchery winters.
If you float that stretch of river, Watch out its a boat eater. The run above greens bridge is worse.
Oh yea, ignore the fish counts at Willamette falls. I dont believe they are right. How can 2 people catch 4 springers clear up at lebanon when the count says there is ony 12 salmon????

[This message has been edited by willierower (edited 01-17-2001).]

[Troutinator]

I would strongly suggest enlisting a true expert on this river. Learn it by hiring a guide for at least one trip... it's damned tricky water up there. The run from Fisherman's bend to Lyon's has excellent Steelie water producing well during the months already listed.
I can give Michael Gorman of the Scarlet Ibis fly shop in Corvallis my highest recommendation for guiding this river. Floating with Michael is a joy, he is an amazing boatsman and a all around neat guy.
Tell him one of the Dixon boys sent you...

[mic4fish]

Hey Willierower,
It's good to hear from you. I thought you dropped off the face of the earth.
-Mike

[Beer Waggin]

I strongly agree with Willie and Cos, this river has some very bad spots. I know there are at least two log jams on this river that have taken lifes of fisherman who were wearing lifejackets(10 years ago). I used to float from Greens Bridge down to Jefferson every week when I was in college, man that river used to produce some fish. The c/r trout make for a good day if the steelhead aren't biting. Think I might have to head down there again when the fish get in!