Best salmon fishing spots near Salem, Oregon
Comprehensive guide to the best salmon fishing hotspots – with seasonal tips, gear suggestions, and local insights.
1. North Santiam River (Below Big Cliff Dam to Stayton)
- Species: Spring Chinook, Coho, and both summer and winter steelhead
- Peak Season: Spring Chinook (May–June), Coho (Sept–Oct), Summer Steelhead (June–July) .
- Access: River parks and boat launches near Mehama, Stayton–Scio Bridge, Mill City, and below Big Cliff
- Tactics: Trolling plugs, drift spinners, float rigs with roe; fly anglers can find native trout too
2. South Santiam River (Below Foster Dam to Waterloo Bridge)
- Species: Spring Chinook, natural and hatchery Coho, and steelhead
- Season: Chinook peak in May–July; Coho and winter steelhead run from mid-fall through spring
- Access: Bank fishing at Foster Dam, Pleasant Valley Bridge, Waterloo Park, and near Sweet Home
- Tips: Bait rigs, spinners, and plugs work well; bait permitted Apr–Oct
3. Mainstem Santiam River (Below Forks to Confluence with Willamette)
- Species: Spring Chinook, Coho, Steelhead
- Season: Chinook (May–July), Coho (Sept–Oct), Steelhead (Summer & Winter) .
- Access: Pullouts and boat ramps near Stayton, Jefferson, and downstream approaching the Willamette
- Tactics: Drifting plugs or roe rigs near confluences and holding holes .
4. Willamette River (Near Salem)
- Species: Spring Chinook, Coho, Steelhead
- Season: Chinook (April–May), Coho (Sept–Nov), Steelhead (summer/winter runs)
- Access: Parks and ramps along the Willamette near Salem, including river landings downstream of the Santiam confluence
- Approach: Float rigs, plugs, and trolling are effective near the river junction.
5. Siuslaw River (Day Trip Option)
- Species: Fall Chinook and winter steelhead
- Season: Chinook run strong from September to October; winter steelhead January–March .
- Access: Estuary and upstream at Cushman/Mapleton; drift boats launchable at Whittaker Creek
- Tactics: Back-trolling Hot-Shots, spinners, and roe rigs in both estuary and upriver spaces.
Seasonal Overview
| River | Chinook | Coho | Steelhead |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Santiam | May–June | Sept–Oct | Summer & Winter |
| South Santiam | April–July | Sept–Oct–Dec | Year-round hatchery |
| Mainstem Santiam | May–July | Sept–Oct | Summer & Winter |
| Willamette (Salem area) | Apr–May | Sept–Nov | Summer & Winter |
| Siuslaw (coastal trip) | Sept–Oct | – | Jan–Mar |
Local Angler Advice
- Reddit tip: For a fun scouting trip, explore different holes on the North Santiam around Stayton—waders help a lot. Visit Marion Forks and try a guide for a smooth learning curve
- Coho surge: Recent years have seen strong Coho returns up the Santiam and into the Willamette, offering excellent fall fishing opportunities .
Quick Tips for Success
- Licensing: Oregon angling license + Combined Tag required; check steelhead/salmon retention rules on ODFW.
- Gear: Medium-heavy rod (7–9 ft), 12–20 lb test. Use plugs (Kwikfish), spinners, flasher‑roe rigs.
- Boat Access: Helpful in Santiam tributaries and Siuslaw; bank fishing works well near bridges and calm seams.
- Bait & Gear Seasons: Bait open in spring/summer on Santiam; artificial only in restricted zones.
- Flow & Conditions: Ideal flows vary—spring Chinook prefer clear moderate flows, fall Coho like cooler water after rains.