North vs South Santiam

[LuckyFisher]

Which river has the most spring Chinook and summer steelhead returning, the North Santiam or the South? I can't seem to find much online.

 

[capblack]

south santiam generally has more fish, and more fisherman, therefore, i fish the north.

 

[LuckyFisher]

Thanks capblack. I tried all over the South Santiam today with no luck. The only thing I caught were 3 smolt steelhead. I tried up at Foster, at Waterloo, and below the Lebanon dam with no success. Just to prove I'm not a totally crummy fisherman, I also ran into several drift boats that had no luck and maybe 6-7 other bank fisherman with nothing (except for the small trout which did seem prevalent through the system). I knew I was early but I was still hoping to strike a lucky one. I guess I need to wait another few weeks.

 

[capblack]

this early in the run i would try lower. jefferson and i5 both on the mainstem would be good spots to try

 

[autofisher]

there might be a few early fish up that high, but cap's right about sticking closer to the main stem of the river right now.

 

[troutdude]

Fresh steel has been reported, all of the way up to the deadline at Foster Dam on the South fork. But, like everyone has said...lower is better for now.

 

[Raincatcher]

I heard the barber shop in Jefferson has some decent bank fishing.