NW HawgHunters 

5.0
(27 reviews)
 4325 Northeast Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97211, United States–

NW HawgHunters 

Portland, OR, United States
–
26 ft
6
5.0
(27 reviews)

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Ready to cast a line in Oregon City? NW HawgHunters is your ticket! Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Bill is prepared to put you on fish.

Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sturgeon, and anything else that bites. You can expect to do some trolling, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. And, you can't go wrong with snacks to maintain your energy throughout the trip!

Your fishing machine for the day is a 26' Alumaweld Columbia aluminum fishing boat with capacity for 6 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Before coming aboard, it may be required to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

It's always wise to bring sunblock (non-spray), bottled water, and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but try to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Get in touch with Capt. Bill below and start planning your trip today!

Ready to cast a line in Oregon City? NW HawgHunters is your ticket! Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Bill is prepared to put you on fish.

Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sturgeon, and anything else that bites. You can expect to do some trolling, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. And, you can't go wrong with snacks to maintain your energy throughout the trip!

Your fishing machine for the day is a 26' Alumaweld Columbia aluminum fishing boat with capacity for 6 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Before coming aboard, it may be required to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

It's always wise to bring sunblock (non-spray), bottled water, and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but try to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Get in touch with Capt. Bill below and start planning your trip today!

William Gaither
Captain
William Gaither
18 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Half Day Trip
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Sturgeon
Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)
US $300
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Sturgeon
Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)
US $450
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 13 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
27 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (32)

Reviews (27)

  • Shay Crawford
    Shay Crawford
    Repeat angler
    us
    Oregon, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    First Time Booker

    Full Day Trip on July 25, 2026 • 2 adults

    my 17 year old son has been begging me to go fishing, but to go fishing to where we hire a guide that can not only help us , but teach us as we go. We had no expectations in being instructed what so ever but just knew we'd be corrected and to take that with grace and really try to learn. Bill did great. We ended up tagging two big fish and I got to see my sun on top of the world for the day. I treated this as not only a way for him to learn and for me to get a crash refresh course on my end, but a way to see if buying rods would go to use - or be a waste.. Looks like I am buyin rods, Thanks Bill

  • Mike Nollen
    Mike Nollen
    Member since 2026
    5.0

    June fishing trip

    Full Day Trip on June 6, 2026

    I'm a very spoiled man, and lucky to,my wife enjoys fishing . In the past we used other guides and wasn't happy to many people on the boat ,they weren't producing fish, captain was rude just wasn't happy I contacted a guide who referred me to Bill about 8 years ago and we've been so happy. We go out about 10 times a year with Bill .Everyone that I refer to him says the same thing Bill catches fish time after time he is so picky about the little things that adds up to catching fish time after time and he's a hell of a captain once you fish with Bill you'll be back.

  • Matt Andreasian
    Matt Andreasian
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0

    Great day fishing with Bill!

    Full Day Trip on October 11, 2025

    Had an outstanding day fishing the Columbia River with Bill! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The fishing was excellent, and Bill worked hard to keep us on fish all day. Everyone in our group landed their Chinook salmon, and we even picked up a couple of bonus Coho, which made an already great trip even better. Bill is knowledgeable, professional, and knows exactly where to put you for success. If you're looking for a fun, productive day on the water and want to catch fish, I highly recommend booking a trip with Bill. We'll definitely be back!

  • Jon Clouse
    Jon Clouse
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    great captain, great experience

    Full Day Trip on September 16, 2026 • 3 adults

    the three of us had never caught sturgeon. the bite was a little slow but we had five sturgeon on the line. i have fished all my years (72) and caught the biggest fish of my life, estimated to be 8 1/2- 9 feet long and over 200 pounds.

  • Christina Yi
    Christina Yi
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Birthday King Salmon

    Half Day Trip on September 14, 2026 • 3 adults

    We flew from Texas to catch chinook, and Captain William got us on the salmon! Other boats weren’t hitting, so definitely go with NW Hawghunters! Great experience.

  • Sara Hahn
    Sara Hahn
    us
    Oregon, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best guide ever!!

    Half Day Trip on July 27, 2026 • 3 adults

    My two sons and I met Captain Bill last week for a ½ day guided trip on the Columbia river. The entire trip was a blast! In total, we caught 6 sturgeon and we had the best time celebrating my son’s 20th birthday. Bill was knowledgeable and super fun!! Can’t wait to go salmon fishing next!!

  • Dmitry Parkin
    Dmitry Parkin
    Repeat angler
    us
    Washington State, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    great experience

    Full Day Trip on September 7, 2026 • 2 adults

    It was our first salmon fishing experience, and Captain Bill made it perfect, lots of positive emotions and a huge salmon!

  • Brittany Zagorodney
    Brittany Zagorodney
    us
    Washington State, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Trip

    Full Day Trip on August 25, 2026 • 2 adults

    Bill made us feel welcome from the time we got on the boat. We were able to catch a salmon on a day the salmon weren’t really biting, and the grass was terrible. It was great. I booked this trip for my son for his 16th birthday. It was definitely something I would do again.

  • Addison Moncelle
    Addison Moncelle
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    Special 8 hours trip for Addison Moncelle on July 26, 2026 • 2 adults

    Bill was great, after the other people on my original trip cancelled he helped get me set up and find an alternative plan. Really can not recommend sturgeon enough, truly an amazing experience to have the chance at a 9+ft fish.

  • Jordan Burck
    Jordan Burck
    Repeat angler
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    Half Day Trip on August 24, 2026 • 3 adults

    captain bill was excellent. didnt catch fish right off the batbut Bill worked hard to make sure we caught some Sturgeon.

Rating

5.0
27 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (32)

All reviews (27)

Showing 1 – 5 of 27 reviews
Shay Crawford
Shay Crawford
Repeat angler
us
Oregon, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
First Time Booker
Full Day Trip on July 25, 2026 • 2 adults

my 17 year old son has been begging me to go fishing, but to go fishing to where we hire a guide that can not only help us , but teach us as we go. We had no expectations in being instructed what so ever but just knew we'd be corrected and to take that with grace and really try to learn. Bill did great. We ended up tagging two big fish and I got to see my sun on top of the world for the day. I treated this as not only a way for him to learn and for me to get a crash refresh course on my end, but a way to see if buying rods would go to use - or be a waste.. Looks like I am buyin rods, Thanks Bill

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
William Gaither
Response from Captain

an absolute pleasure having you guys on the boat & love seeing first timers get their fish to boot! thanks for the kind words!

Eric Bergin
Eric Bergin
Member since 2026
5.0
Full Day Trips With Bill & NW Hawghunters
Full Day Trip on June 13, 2026

My angling crew and I have been fishing with guide Bill Gaither/NW Hawghunters for 16 years now. I have been on his boat over 30 times. He is a hell of a fisherman who knows salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon as well as any guide on the water. He is one of the good guys being both respectful and honest. He is also pretty funny with a great sense of humor. And there is no sugarcoating of the expected outcome of his trips, in other words he tells it like it is without any B.S. I recommend Bill to friends all of the time when they ask for help finding a positive guided fishing experience. He has never disappointed.

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
William Gaither
Response from Captain

well thanks for those kind words. definitely see u again soon 😊😜

Mike Nollen
Mike Nollen
Member since 2026
5.0
June fishing trip
Full Day Trip on June 6, 2026

I'm a very spoiled man, and lucky to,my wife enjoys fishing . In the past we used other guides and wasn't happy to many people on the boat ,they weren't producing fish, captain was rude just wasn't happy I contacted a guide who referred me to Bill about 8 years ago and we've been so happy. We go out about 10 times a year with Bill .Everyone that I refer to him says the same thing Bill catches fish time after time he is so picky about the little things that adds up to catching fish time after time and he's a hell of a captain once you fish with Bill you'll be back.

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
William Gaither
Response from Captain

well thanks Mike for the kind words & I'll c u guys very soon!

Laura Shannon
Laura Shannon
Member since 2026
5.0
Spring Chinook trip with Bill
Half Day Trip on June 13, 2026

I have been fishing with Bill for several years. He has taught me how to put more fish in my own boat which is priceless! He custom paints his lures so your not fishing with standard ones. I've seen him time after time figure out what the fish want that day and the result is everyone going home with fish. If your looking to improve your fishing skills or just wanting a fun fishing trip, Bill is the only guide you will need. His services are just AMAZING.

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
William Gaither
Response from Captain

well thank you for the kind words! we will see u soon.

Matt Andreasian
Matt Andreasian
us
California, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Great day fishing with Bill!
Full Day Trip on October 11, 2025

Had an outstanding day fishing the Columbia River with Bill! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The fishing was excellent, and Bill worked hard to keep us on fish all day. Everyone in our group landed their Chinook salmon, and we even picked up a couple of bonus Coho, which made an already great trip even better. Bill is knowledgeable, professional, and knows exactly where to put you for success. If you're looking for a fun, productive day on the water and want to catch fish, I highly recommend booking a trip with Bill. We'll definitely be back!

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
William Gaither
Response from Captain

thanks for a great day on the water & for the kind words!

FAQs about NW HawgHunters

NW HawgHunters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $150 per person - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $225 per person - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with NW HawgHunters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
Trips booked with NW HawgHunters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (We usually don't need to fish for live bait.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish cleaning/fileting is included in the price.)
NW HawgHunters offers the following type of fishing:
  • River fishing (We fish the Columbia River from Astoria to Hood River & the Willamette River from the falls to the mouth.)
NW HawgHunters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
Top targeted fish species with NW HawgHunters include:
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Sturgeon

Your captain

William Gaither
William Gaither

Portland, Oregon, United States

ID & license verified
27 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2026

Capt. William is experienced in navigating the waters of Oregon City, Oregon and is ready to take you on a therapeutic fishing excursion. Using bottom fishing, trolling, and other techniques, you'll have a chance to catch Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon and Sturgeon. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

William Gaither
William Gaither
Fully verified
27
reviews
2026
member since
~1h
response
Capt. William is experienced in navigating the waters of Oregon City, Oregon and is ready to take you on a therapeutic fishing excursion. Using bottom fishing, trolling, and other techniques, you'll have a chance to catch Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon and Sturgeon. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

The fish you can target

Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sturgeon
Sturgeon
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sturgeon
Sturgeon

Real catches by this captain

  • Birthday King Salmon
    Christina Y.
    Christina Y.
  • great experience
    Dmitry P.
    Dmitry P.
  • Amazing Trip
    Brittany Z.
    Brittany Z.
  • Great guide and Super Fun
    Mike L.
    Mike L.
  • Great experience
    Addison M.
    Addison M.
  • First Time Booker
    Shay C.
    Shay C.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
2014
Boat manufacturer
Alumaweld
Boat type
Aluminum fishing
Engine model
Mercury/Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Bottom Fishing
Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
We usually don't need to fish for live bait.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish cleaning/fileting is included in the price.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Love having kids on board. The bigger sturgeon can b tougher to land so I caution parents if they have kids under 14 to Target smaller species like salmon.
No smoking
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Checks

What’s biting in Portland right now

Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Salmon (Coho)
SturgeonSturgeon

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