Next AvailableJul 01
Book with Hugh Harris
True North Outdoors
Identity Verified Portland OR
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Hugh Harris, Captain at True North Outdoors
Identity VerifiedCaptain 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 & 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!
Upcoming Availability
Fishing Techniques
What's Included
Keep your Catch
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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Nature / Wildlife Views
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
What's Included
Keep your Catch
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Nature / Wildlife Views
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Trips Available with True North Outdoors
Fishing
Starting At $500
8 HR Shared Buoy 10 Astoria Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $500
8-Hour Fall Salmon Fishing Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $500
8-Hour Spring Salmon Fishing Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $600
8 HR Ocean Salmon & Rockfish Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $1,000
8HR Private Buoy 10 Fishing Trip – Astoria
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $1,200
8-Hour Private Fall Salmon Fishing Experience
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $1,000
8Hour Private Ocean Salmon & Rockfish Fishing Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $1,200
8 HR Private Spring Salmon Fishing Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $500
8 HR Shared Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Trip
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Fishing
Starting At $1,000
8 HR Private Spring Salmon Fishing Experience
Fishing Area: Oregon
Fishing: River
Fishing Boat:
True North Outdoors • 26' River Wild • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description:
Vehicle
True North Outdoors
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
6
Boat Length:
26 ft
Manufacturer Name:
River Wild
Model Year:
2021
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Yamaha
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
250
Maximum Cruising Speed:
40
Features: Ice-Box Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS
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This 2021 River Wild skiff offers room for 6 passengers and top-tier performance. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha, it reaches speeds up to 40 knots, perfect for Oregon’s fishing adventures.
Boat
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True North Outdoors
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
6
Boat Length:
26 ft
Vehicle Details
FAQs about True North Outdoors
What are the trip rates for True North Outdoors?
What's included in the trip price with True North Outdoors?
What types of Fishing does True North Outdoors offer?
Which Fishing species can I catch with True North Outdoors?
What is the cancellation policy for True North Outdoors?
Reports and Expert Articles
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Summer Fishing Action Heats Up Around Portland Waters
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.
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Salmon Fishing
These Kingslayers flew in from Germany to get the #bestofthepnw @hanfordreachoutdoors customs
Ratings & Reviews Summary
July 1, 2025
Captain Hugh put us on the fish early and kept the action going all day. He is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and patient. The planning and communication were excellent—he checked in multiple times before the trip, ensuring we knew the details of where to be, when to arrive, and what to expect. His boat is top-notch, well-maintained, and equipped with high-end gear. We can’t wait to book another trip with him and highly recommend Captain Hugh to anyone looking for an amazing fishing experience!
July 1, 2025
We had an amazing time on the river! Hugh was extremely well-prepared and went above and beyond to ensure we caught fish. His boat was not only well-equipped but also very comfortable. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we would highly recommend booking a trip with him!
July 1, 2025
An all-around fantastic experience! Captain Hugh is a great guide with top-quality gear and a clean, comfortable boat. On a tough fishing day when only one other boat landed a fish, we managed to catch three! Highly recommend booking a trip with him!
July 1, 2025
Captain Hugh goes above and beyond to get you on the fish! His dedication, expertise, and top-quality gear make for an unforgettable fishing experience. Highly recommend!
July 1, 2025
The fish weren’t biting that day, but Captain Hugh put in the extra effort to find them. That’s fishing! His dedication and hard work made for a great experience regardless.
July 1, 2025
Took my Dad out for his 87 B-day. Hugh does a great job explaining what you have to do. We caught two spring chinooks. Dad said it was a great Bday gift. Highly recommend fishing with them.
