From ODFW's recreation report:
- The mainstem Santiam River and the lower North Santiam are seeing a large influx of coho salmon right now. (posted on 10/21/20)
The river is open now but ONLY for hatchery fish; ALL wild fish must be released unharmed. The same is true for Steelhead.
Bait is allowed.
A couple of sections of the river, however, are closed. So read page 47 of the reg book, or online, for those details. And remember that you'll need a salmon/steelhead tag, plus a Columbia River Basen endorsement if you're chasing salmon or steelhead.