North Santiam Report Jan. 5

[billsan]

January 5, 2004

North Santiam River Report

New winter steelhead around Green’s Bridge have been exciting for the few anglers willing to deal with the winter weather we have had recently.

As of December 31, 871 winter steelhead have come over Willamette Falls, and our run is just starting. The timing of middle and upper Willamette steelhead is that they start in November and December, and more come into the rivers in January and February. March and April are the best months, and May is also good. Winter steelhead enthusiasts are just starting to enter the best months of the year for their sport.

Summer steelhead also will start entering the North Santiam this month, but the big numbers of them will not show up until May. Since we may keep summer steelhead (they have a clipped fin), it is good to know that even when fishing for winter steelhead, there are some fish we can barbecue. Releasing some fish is a good thing, and it is also good to be able to cook some of them.

Snow and ice are all over the riverbanks on the upper North Santiam this week. River levels are low because it is still very cold and not much is melting. When we get some warm rains, big increases in river volume will follow.

River channels in the lower river have been clear, but they can change this time of year! Art Martin drifted, fished, and hunted the lower North Santiam yesterday, so we will get a current report shortly. We know it is driftable, and we know there are some good fish down there, along with lots of peace and quiet. We also know about the possibility of channel changes and navigation problems with unexpected trees being deposited with any high water events. Those problems can be avoided by drifting from Green’s Bridge to Jefferson or other drifts where log problems usually do not happen.

GPS and Boater Safety clinics are offered at G.I. Joe’s stores in January and February. You may get more information at the Lancaster store at 503-364-3366.

A big winter steelhead fishing clinic will be held at Sportsman’s Warehouse on January 31. Several guides and fishing clubs will be presenting programs, including “how to catch fish” seminars. Tackle representatives will display new fishing equipment and guides will show us how to use it. The clinic last year was well attended, and this year’s event should be even better. Plan to attend.

There are some good steelhead and fishable river conditions in the North Santiam all the way from Jefferson to Stayton to Mehama to Mill City to Gates and Packsaddle. River levels will be variable, so it is necessary to check water levels before starting a trip here.

Coastal fishing is in prime time right now. It is not surprising to learn that the best fishing is on rivers that have hatcheries. The North Fork Nehalem is especially good, but the Nestucca and Three Rivers have also been very productive.

Good raingear is really necessary to enjoy the Oregon outdoors this time of year. The fishing stores have good selections available, and will display their wares at the clinics and boat shows.

North Santiam fish numbers should be very good in 2,004. We have had good river conditions for raising the juvenile fish, and good temperatures in the lower river when the juveniles were migrating to the ocean, which has also had good conditions for the last several years. As the season matures, we look forward to excellent fishing this season.

Bill Sanderson

[The Big Tuna]

Thanks for the great report Bill!

For people who do not know, Bill has been guiding on the North Santiam for many years. You might think about calling him if you are looking for a guided trip on this beautiful river.