As of May 3rd, the count for migrating Spring Chinook having passed over Willamette Falls rests at 7,126 and 1,568 for Summer Steelhead.  These counts remain about 20% lower than the counts for the very same day last year.  Counts change daily and surges are common so at this point in the game, we don't worry much about annual differences, unless dramatic.  ODFW has projected that a large component of this year's run will be comprised of 5-year-old fish, with many in the 20 lb and above weight class.  These fish are headed for the various Willamette system tributaries including the McKenzie, the Santiam, and the Middle Fork Willamette.  Chinook and steelhead have been caught in all of these rivers this past week, but timing in the run is  still too early to make for fast and furious action in the the tribs.  This will change however, in the next few weeks.  I live on the McKenzie River up east of the Springfield/Eugene metropolitan area.  I am actively guiding for salmon, trout,and steelhead for the next few months primarily on the McKenzie, the Middle Fork Willamette and the South Santiam.  With Springer action on the Umpqua and Rogue very slow, we may well be the "Hot Game in Town."  We tend to do very well on these fish from late May through July.  If you are going to be visiting our area during this time frame, or even if you live local and would like to sample this fishery, think about booking a trip.