Montana Fish Report
Winter steelhead fishing is slow
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
1-28-2026
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Winter steelhead fishing is slow. Until we receive some rain to raise water levels one will need to move from hole to hole to find the fish. Be willing to try different angling gear and technics to increase your odds of hooking up a steelhead. There is good access for angling since the Smith River Road follows the mainstem for most of the time.
More Reports
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, January 28th
Kilchis River: The Kilchis is going to remain on the low side this week, even with a little rain
Necanicum River: There are still some fish in decent condition around
Nehalem River: Winter steelhead should be returning to the Nehalem River
Nestucca River: Fishing conditions should improve this week with a little rain and some warmer temperatures
Three Rivers: Three Rivers has winter steelhead coming back and fishing should improve this week
Wilson River: Conditions should improve this week with a little rain and warmer temperatures
Ben Irving Reservoir: Angling is slow
Cooper Creek Reservoir: The water does have some color
Coos River: Steelhead are being caught in typical locations
Coquille River: Coho spawning is complete for the most part
Diamond Lake: Winter weather has finally arrived, and the lake is frozen over
Galesville Reservoir: The reservoir is about 40 feet lower than summer full pool
Lemolo Lake: Remains ice free and fish will be concentrated
Loon Lake: Loon Lake Report
Plat I Reservoir: Angling is slow in the areas with water
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Tuesday, January 27th
EE Wilson Angling Pond: Will be stocked this week
Foster Reservoir: The reservoir elevation has dropped down to its winter low-water level
Quartzville Creek: Currently flows are around 190 cfs
Santiam River ( North Fork) : The river is currently running at around 1,900 cfs at the gage in Mahama
Santiam River ( North Fork) Above Detroit Lake: Currently, flows are around 600 cfs
Santiam River (South Fork): Flows are currently at around 1,500 cfs at the gage in Waterloo
Walter Wirth Lake: Will be stocked this week
Waverly Lake: Stocked last week