A short, 25-second clip of salmon spawning in the Santiam River in September 2023.
Video: salmon spawning on the Santiam river September 2023 by Jacob Linkhart on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Fall is spawning season on a lot of Oregon rivers, and seeing it up close never gets old. These fish have come all the way back from the ocean to the gravel they were born in. It's one of those reminders that the river is a lot bigger than our boats and our runs, and that creation is pretty incredible.
A few river manners when the fish are in: avoid dragging boats or wading through gravel beds (redds) where fish are spawning, give them room, and don't harass them for a better shot. Check local fishing and river rules too, since some reaches have seasonal closures.
If you like this side of the river, watch The New Klamath, where dam removal reopened a whole river for salmon and for boaters.
Personal trip report: flows, wood and hazards change, and what worked for me that day isn't a rule for your boat or group. Check current conditions, scout, and boat within your training.
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Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
