Summer Fishing Action Heats Up Around Portland Waters

Salmon Fishing

Captain Hugh is the USCG licensed, insured, and bonded owner/operator of True North Outdoors, bringing a lifetime of experience and a deep passion for fishing to every adventure. From an early age, he developed a love for the outdoors, a strong work ethic, and an insatiable curiosity for fishing—values instilled in him by his father, a fisheries biologist. Fishing is more than just a pursuit for Hugh; it’s a way of life that brings endless joy through the challenge of seeking the elusive yet attainable. He finds peace in connecting with the tides and seasons, embracing the rhythms of nature, and immersing himself in the living world. These experiences are meant to be shared, and Hugh is dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds relish, respect, and conserve the incredible resources of the Pacific Northwest. Beyond guiding fishing adventures, Hugh has been a featured author for Salmon &amp; Steelhead Journal and a host of numerous fishing seminars in the PNW community. As a devoted husband and father of two, he is raising his family to cherish and protect the great outdoors for generations to come. With over 15 years of experience as a healthcare professional serving Oncology patients and families, Hugh brings his commitment to excellence, integrity, safety, and expertise to every trip, ensuring a top-tier experience for his clients both on and off the water. Fishing with True North Outdoors offers the opportunity to target Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, Black Rockfish, and more, depending on the season. Anglers can engage in spinning, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, and other techniques across Oregon’s coastal waters and Portland’s Willamette Valley. Any legal catch is yours to keep, cleaned and packaged with care to ensure the highest quality for your table—so don’t forget to bring a cooler! Trips take place aboard a 26’ River Wild aluminum fishing boat, fully equipped with premium rods, reels, tackle, and custom-tied lures. Families and all ages are welcome, with child-sized life vests available upon request. Bringing along snacks is recommended to keep energy levels up during the trip.All guests must purchase a local fishing license and salmon tag before the trip, available through ODFW or by consulting with Captain Hugh. Some species may have restrictions, so checking regulations in advance is advised. Book your next adventure with True North Outdoors, and let Captain Hugh share his passion, and love for the outdoors with you!

EPSG:4269

The summer bite around Portland is heating up, with great action across multiple waterways. The Willamette and Columbia Rivers are both producing solid catches, especially for anglers targeting warm-weather species.

Willamette River:
Smallmouth bass are the main draw right now. They’re hitting hard on soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures in the early morning and evening hours. Areas near rocky structures and docks are holding the most fish. Some decent-sized catfish are also being caught by anglers soaking bait near deeper holes.

These Kingslayers flew in from Germany to get the #bestofthepnw @hanfordreachoutdoors customs

A lone lake trout, a 36-inch trophy catch, in Portland

Impressive catch of 8 salmon and shad fish in OR

Two coho salmon caught by three people fishing in Portland

Two Chinook Salmon, 28 inches, fishing in OR

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Photograph of a fisherman holding a large rainbow trout in Portland, Oregon

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Angler with a big fish caught in Portland

Captain Hugh, owner and operator of True North Outdoors, is a USCG-licensed, insured, and bonded guide with a lifelong passion for fishing and the outdoors. Growing up with a fisheries biologist father, he developed a deep respect for Pacific Northwest fisheries, conservation, and sustainable angling. With years of experience and a strong work ethic, he is dedicated to providing anglers of all skill levels with an exceptional fishing experience. His knowledge of seasonal fish migrations and proven techniques ensures a successful and enjoyable day on the water. Fishing with True North Outdoors means targeting some of the PNW’s most sought-after species, including Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, and Black Rockfish. Whether you're fishing the Willamette River, Columbia River, Buoy 10, or the Oregon Coast, Captain Hugh uses top-tier gear and a fully equipped aluminum fishing boat to give you the best chance at landing your catch. From spring and fall salmon runs to ocean fishing adventures, every trip is designed to be both exciting and memorable.

Captain Hugh, owner and operator of True North Outdoors, brings deep-rooted experience and a genuine passion for fishing to every trip. As a USCG-licensed, insured, and bonded guide, he’s spent years mastering Oregon’s rivers, bays, and coastlines. From the Columbia to the Willamette and out to the rugged Pacific, Hugh has built a reputation as a dependable, knowledgeable captain who knows where the fish are—and how to help guests catch them. Fishing is more than just a job for Hugh—it’s a way of life. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, he grew up learning about fish and waterways from his father, a dedicated fisheries biologist. That early exposure shaped his values: respect for the environment, patience on the water, and the importance of understanding fish behavior. Today, those lessons guide his approach to every trip, whether he’s working with first-time anglers or seasoned pros. What sets Captain Hugh apart is his calm, approachable style. He’s easy to talk to, quick to offer helpful tips, and always focused on giving guests a positive experience. His range of expertise spans Chinook and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Lingcod, and Rockfish. Whether casting on the rivers or bottom fishing along the coast, guests consistently appreciate his mix of professionalism, safety, and authentic enthusiasm for the sport. <h2>The Boat: Built for Oregon Fishing</h2>Guests fish aboard a custom 26’ River Wild aluminum boat, purpose-built in 2021 for the variety of waters Oregon offers. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, it handles both coastal swells and inland currents with ease. The boat features modern electronics for accurate navigation and fish location, along with high-quality rods, reels, and tackle. Spacious, comfortable, and designed with anglers in mind, it’s the perfect setup for chasing salmon on the Columbia or targeting bottom fish offshore. With Captain Hugh at the helm, you're set up for a smooth, productive day on the water.

Captain Hugh Harris & True North Outdoors

Things To Do

Things To Do in Oregon

Fishing License

Oregon Fishing License

Coho vs. Chinook Salmon Fishing: What’s the Difference?

Buoy Salmon

Expert-Guided Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing | Columbia River

Ocean Bounty

Premium Oregon Coast Salmon & Rockfish Fishing

Buoy Bonanza

Top-Rated Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing in Astoria

Spring Kings

Private Spring Chinook Fishing | Willamette River

Buoy Rush

World-Class Buoy 10 Fishing Trip in Astoria

Spring Catch

Premium Spring Salmon Fishing on Columbia River

Spring Splash

Portland's Best Spring Salmon Trip | True North

Fall Salmon

Fall Salmon Fishing on Columbia River | True North

Ocean Combo

Oregon Coast Salmon & Rockfish Expedition

Fall Fins

Premium Private Fall Salmon Trip | True North

Common Questions: What types of fishing trips does True North Outdoors offer?True North Outdoors provides a variety of guided fishing adventures, including trips targeting Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, and Black Rockfish. Depending on the season, you can choose from river fishing on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers or ocean fishing along the Oregon Coast. Each trip is designed to offer a memorable experience for anglers of all skill levels. Who is Captain Hugh?Captain Hugh is the owner and operator of True North Outdoors. He is a USCG-licensed, insured, and bonded guide with a lifelong passion for fishing and the outdoors. Raised by a fisheries biologist father, he has a deep respect for Pacific Northwest fisheries and conservation. With years of experience, Captain Hugh is dedicated to providing exceptional fishing experiences. What is the Buoy 10 Fishery?The Buoy 10 Fishery refers to the area at the mouth of the Columbia River, known for its abundant runs of Chinook and Coho Salmon during August and September. Often called "The Super Bowl of Salmon Fishing," this is one of the most anticipated fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. True North Outdoors offers guided trips during this peak season, providing anglers with an opportunity to experience this renowned fishery. What equipment is provided on a True North Outdoors fishing trip?True North Outdoors supplies all necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and custom-tied lures. Their 26-foot River Wild aluminum fishing boat is fully equipped to ensure a comfortable and successful fishing experience. Anglers are encouraged to bring personal items such as weather-appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Do I need a fishing license for trips with True North Outdoors?Yes, all anglers are required to have a valid Oregon fishing license and appropriate tags for specific species. Licenses and tags should be obtained prior to the trip and are available through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). If you have any questions about licensing, Captain Hugh is available to assist. Are children allowed on fishing trips?Absolutely! True North Outdoors welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels. Captain Hugh is committed to providing a family-friendly environment and offers child-sized life vests upon request. Introducing children to fishing can be a rewarding experience, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. How can I book a trip with True North Outdoors?Booking a trip is straightforward. You can visit the True North Outdoors website and navigate to the "Book Trip" section to view available dates and trip options. For personalized assistance or specific inquiries, feel free to contact Captain Hugh directly through the contact information provided on the website What measures are in place for safety and conservation?Safety is a top priority at True North Outdoors. Captain Hugh maintains his vessel to the highest standards and ensures all safety equipment is up-to-date. As a steward of the environment, he practices and promotes sustainable fishing methods, adhering to all regulations to conserve fish populations for future generations. What types of fish can you catch with True North Outdoors in Oregon?With True North Outdoors, you can target a variety of sought-after species throughout the year, including Chinook and Coho Salmon in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, as well as Lingcod and Rockfish on ocean trips along the Oregon Coast. Seasonal opportunities allow for diverse fishing experiences, whether trolling for Salmon or bottom fishing for aggressive deep-water species. What should I bring on my fishing trip with True North Outdoors?﻿For a successful trip, bring weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof layers, sunglasses, a hat, and non-spray sunscreen. You’ll also need a valid Oregon fishing license and any required tags for your targeted species. Snacks and drinks are recommended to keep you comfortable, and if you plan to keep your catch, bring a cooler for easy transport.

A fisherman with a big catch at an unknown location

Four anglers with a small fish during a fishing trip

Fishing Report

Navigate