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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Salem

Steelhead, Salmon & Trout On Fly

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16 ft 1 - 2 People From $600

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in the Santiam River

What are the best fishing trips in the Santiam River?

The best fishing trips in the Santiam River are:

What is fishing in Santiam River all about?

The Santiam River, winding through the heart of Oregon’s Cascade foothills, offers an unspoiled slice of the Pacific Northwest that feels like it’s been waiting just for you. Whether you're casting for chinook in the spring or chasing steelhead in the winter, the river's emerald waters are home to a kind of fishing that feels more like a pilgrimage than a hobby. It's the kind of place where the sound of rushing water drowns out everything else, leaving you with nothing but the rhythm of the cast and the sharp scent of pine trees in the air. And with each pull, you know you're not just fishing—you’re connecting with a land that’s as wild as it is beautiful.

When you stand at the edge of the Santiam, you can’t help but feel small—like you’re part of something timeless. The river's not in any rush to show you what it's got, but if you're patient enough, it'll reward you with moments that are worth more than any trophy catch. The deeper pools and riffles hold the kind of fish that know the river like the back of their fins, making each hook-up feel earned. The Santiam's a bit of a challenge, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It's a river that asks you to be present, to read its flow, and to respect its rhythms—there’s no hurry, just a promise of something wild just around the bend.

Fishing here isn't just about the catch; it's about the experience, the quiet thrill of being in a place where the world moves at its own pace. There's a simplicity to it—no distractions, no noise, just the moment you’re living in. Maybe you’ll land a fish, or maybe you'll just enjoy the stillness, the constant hum of the water, the far-off call of an eagle. Either way, there’s a sense of adventure that comes with every outing on the Santiam. It's not the kind of place that rushes you, and in the end, that’s exactly why we keep coming back.

What are the most popular months to go fishing in Santiam River?

Fishing the Santiam River means you’re always in tune with the changing seasons, each one offering something uniquely special. Spring kicks things off with a bang. As the snow melts off the Cascades, the river swells with fresh, icy runoff, signaling the start of chinook and coho salmon runs. There’s something electric about the spring season—the riverside is alive with the rush of water, birds singing overhead, and that first tug on your line as the big ones start pushing upstream. The air’s still cool, but there’s a new warmth in the sun, a promise of what’s to come. It’s a perfect time to gear up, shake off the winter rust, and remember why you love being on the water.

As summer settles in, the Santiam slows down a little, and the fishing turns into a more laid-back affair. The river’s flow steadies, and with it, the focus shifts to the legendary steelhead that cruise the deeper pools. Water temperatures rise, but there’s a calmness to it all that makes long days on the river feel easy. Whether you’re casting in the shallows or dropping a line into the quiet eddies, summer fishing on the Santiam is as much about slowing down and enjoying the process as it is about landing your next catch. Early mornings and late evenings, with the air warm but crisp, are prime times—casting under the glow of a setting sun, with the sound of the river as your soundtrack, you’ll remember why this place stays with you long after the season ends.

Then, as fall rolls in, the Santiam enters its final act, and with it comes the return of the fish that everyone’s been waiting for. The steelhead and chinook are back in full force, eager to finish their journeys upstream. The water cools, bringing new life to the river, and the mornings have that crisp bite of autumn that sharpens your focus. There’s a quiet intensity to fall fishing here—less people, fewer distractions, just the raw beauty of the river and the thrill of the chase. It’s a time when the river reveals its secrets, rewarding patience and persistence with those big, hard-fighting fish that make it all worthwhile. Each cast in the fall feels like an invitation to take part in something ancient—a tradition passed down through generations of anglers who’ve known the Santiam’s power and pull.

What types of fishing are popular in Santiam River?

Fishing the Santiam River isn’t about just one method—it’s about finding your rhythm in the flow of the water, and the river gives you plenty of ways to do that. For those who love the art of patience, drift fishing is the way to go. With a well-timed cast and the right setup, you can let your bait drift naturally through the deep pools and fast runs where chinook, coho, and steelhead are often hanging out. It’s a dance of timing and feel—waiting for that subtle pull on the line that signals a fish is on. The Santiam’s current can be tricky, but when you nail it, the reward feels like you’ve cracked the code to the river’s rhythm.

If you're the kind of angler who likes to take it up a notch, fly fishing on the Santiam is the real deal. The river’s diverse terrain, from fast riffles to quiet, deep runs, provides the perfect canvas for a day of casting dry flies, nymphs, or streamers. The challenge is real—there’s the fine art of reading the water, choosing the right fly, and working with the subtlety of the river to fool the fish into taking your offering. It’s a game of precision and finesse, and nothing quite beats the rush of seeing a fish rise to meet your fly, taking it mid-air with perfect timing. It’s as much about the process as the catch, and on the Santiam, you’ll quickly realize there’s no better place to hone your skills.

For those who like to get hands-on, float fishing is a game-changer. With the right gear and a sturdy raft or drift boat, you can cover miles of river with ease. You get to float through the prime fishing spots, hitting the runs, tailouts, and eddies without having to wade through the thick brush. The beauty of float fishing is that it lets you access more of the Santiam’s hidden treasures—places that can be tough to reach from shore. Whether you’re trolling for salmon or casting for steelhead, being on the move gives you a whole new perspective on the river and puts you in a prime position to track down the fish. It’s fast, it’s efficient, and it brings a whole new level of excitement to your Santiam experience.

What species are popular for fishing in Santiam River?

When it comes to fishing the Santiam River, you’ve got a smorgasbord of species to target, each offering its own challenge and thrill. Let’s start with the king of the river: the chinook salmon. These fish are the heavy hitters of the Santiam, known for their size, strength, and tenacity. Whether you’re fishing in the spring when they first make their way up the river or the fall when they return to spawn, the chinook is a true test of your angling skills. These mighty fish put up a fight that’ll leave your arms sore and your heart racing, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of landing one after hours of patience. If you're after a big catch, the chinook's your target—nothing beats the satisfaction of reeling in a fish that’s been on a 1,000-mile journey.

Next up, the steelhead—arguably one of the most sought-after species for anglers looking to experience the true beauty of the Santiam. Known for their acrobatic leaps and relentless fight, steelhead are the river’s wild, free-roaming challengers. These fish enter the river throughout the winter and spring, offering a true test for those willing to brave the colder, quieter months. The Santiam’s steelhead are both elusive and determined, making them a perfect match for anglers looking to hone their skills in the art of drift fishing or fly fishing. There’s a raw, untamed spirit to steelhead fishing on the Santiam that makes every catch feel like you’ve earned it, and the thrill of watching a steelhead rip through the water as it fights to escape your hook is a feeling that’ll stick with you long after you pack up for the day.

Don’t overlook the coho salmon either. These silver beauties are often overshadowed by their chinook cousins, but they’re just as impressive in their own right. Coho can be a bit more unpredictable, but when you hook one, you’ll know you’re in for a show. They’re quick, they’re agile, and they’re no slouch when it comes to a fight. Coho runs typically peak in the fall, when they’re making their way upstream to spawn, but you can also find them hanging out in the river’s deeper stretches during the summer months. Coho are the perfect species for anglers who appreciate the unpredictability of fishing—they’re not always easy to catch, but that just makes it all the more rewarding when you land one. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the Santiam, targeting these species will give you a full spectrum of the river’s bounty—and make for some truly memorable days on the water.

Does Santiam River have good fishing?

The Santiam River is one of those hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest, a place that doesn’t get as much attention as the big-name rivers, but it’s one that anglers keep coming back to. It’s good—scratch that—it’s *great* for fishing. Whether you’re after the challenge of hooking a chinook salmon, chasing after acrobatic steelhead, or just enjoying the solitude of casting for coho, this river has everything an angler could ask for. The combination of its crystal-clear waters, diverse fishing environments, and accessible fishing spots means you’ll never get bored. The Santiam doesn’t just deliver fish, it gives you a chance to experience the kind of fishing that’s more about the process than the catch itself.

One of the standout qualities of the Santiam is its seasonality. It’s not a river that’s good only at one time of year—it’s a river that constantly evolves, offering something fresh with every season. From the spring chinook runs that get the adrenaline pumping, to the quieter, more methodical steelhead fishing in winter, the Santiam has a way of keeping you engaged all year round. The river's diversity in terms of both species and fishing techniques—whether it’s drift fishing, fly fishing, or float fishing—keeps things exciting no matter what your style is. And if you're into finding those off-the-beaten-path spots, the Santiam has no shortage of hidden holes and quiet riffles that make for a peaceful, rewarding day on the water.

But what really sets the Santiam apart is the way it feels—there’s an authenticity to it. It’s not overcrowded, and while it may not have the same tourist appeal as other famous rivers, it’s a place where the fishing experience feels more personal. You’ll find yourself more in tune with the flow of the river, less distracted by the hustle of daily life. It’s the kind of place that rewards patience and skill. So, is the Santiam River good for fishing? Absolutely. It’s not just good, it’s one of those places that quietly builds a relationship with you, making every trip feel like you’re rediscovering its secrets. If you’re looking for a river that feels wild and untamed, yet full of opportunity, the Santiam’s got your back.

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