The North Santiam River is a tailwater of Detroit Lake and therefore stays cool during summer months.  It is heavily planted with rainbow trout, and also offers an opportunity to catch steelhead and spring Chinook.  The Stayton to Shelburn drift is approximately 7 miles long, with class I to II rapids.  Intermediate-level rowing skills at a minimum are recommended, as sweeper debris sometimes occur.

Club members tend to catch a lot of fish, mainly rainbow trout, with a few whitefish as well.  Most methods will work, but Euronymphing is the most popular method.  Most fish are in the 8-10 inch range, with an occasional 17-18 inch fish.