Mike Coopman's Guide Service

04/21/2024

As we celebrated my dad’s birthday yesterday, I noticed this picture on his fridge. This is my Grandfather, Ben Coopman at the old Air Force Base in Klamath. The photo is an advertisement for a fishing line Company taken from the late 50’s as far as dad can remember. He said the fish on the left was just under 400 #’s and the one on the right, just under 300 #’s. To say the fishing is in my blood is an understatement!!

01/21/2024

It was thirty years ago that I took my first paid trip as a guide. Things have changed so much. I am so great full to have fished beside some of the best in the business. The competitive nature of this business has truly been life changing for me. There are many guides that have taught me so much and I can’t thank them enough, but there are a couple that have pushed me to a whole new level. One In particular has been instrumental in helping me to reach my potential. You know who you are!! I also want to share my gratitude for my customers. A lot of you have become wonderful friends and family.

After 30 years I am going to be slowing down a bit. My body can’t take the 7 day a week grind like it used too and we have found some other opportunities to make a living. I am not quitting by any means, just slowing down a little bit.

Remember if you see me out there, there is a 20 year old fishing guide, full of p**s and vinegar behind that grey haired old man you see today. How’s the saying go? I am not as good as I once was, but I am as good once as I ever was!! Thank you all for 30 years!!

01/21/2024

Fish on

11/29/2023

I would like to send out a big thank you to Stella’s Adventures ( Harry Adams). You guys completed a bucket list moment for my mom today. She is so excited. She has gone on and on over a couple of phone calls, talking about seeing the whales, they were spouting, and splashing their tails and she even got to see one breach. not only did she get to see the whales, but they made a trip out to the St George reef Light House . Another bucket list item for her. If you’re interested in this type of adventure, get ahold of Stella’s Adventures. Thank you Harry and crew. You guys are a class act!!

04/10/2023

03/29/2023

"We did not find evidence that hatchery supplementation negatively affected natural-origin steelhead recruitment during the 27-year period of record."
https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjfas-2021-0351

03/14/2023

For our out of town friends and family. The south fork of the Smith at second bridge. 25 feet at Jed gauge and rising!!

03/07/2023

03/07/2023

I haven’t seen any professional forecasts, but I can see where this may be lining up to be a problem. I live right at one thousand feet and we have had major snowfall over the last couple of weeks. With the Smith River and Klamath River basins being stuffed with snow and warmer temps and heavy rain in the forecast, things could get pretty interesting over the next week. If you live in a low lying area, you might want to check this out!! This weather forecast is for Happy Camp Ca. Elevation is 1600 feet. Notice the temps and rainfall. Don’t get caught off gaurd!!

03/03/2023

Another beautiful moment captured!!

01/22/2023

For the love of steelhead fishing!!

01/11/2023

A friend sent this to me today. Keep your eyes open. This is a petition to list Northern California and Oregon Chinook Salmon as endangered. Please SHARE!!!

01/05/2023

Even through this crazy weather we are still putting some quality fish in the net. This beauty caught by Sebastian Holmes while fishing with Tyler was worth being out in a crazy storm. It looks like a more stable weather pattern is coming next week. Tyler has several openings. Better grab em up and bend a rod!! Keep your lines tight!!!

01/05/2023

Even through this crazy weather we are still putting some quality fish in the net. This beauty caught by Sebastian Holmes while fishing with Tyler was worth being out in a crazy storm. It looks like a more stable weather pattern is coming next week. Tyler has several openings. Better grab em up and bend a rod!! Keep your lines tight!!!

12/08/2022

My buddy Josh at Salt and light wood carvings has these beautiful carvings for sale. Look him up on Facebook and check them out. I will not answer questions about prices. Look him up if interested!!

11/24/2022

We would like to wish you all a very happy thanksgiving. We are very thankful for all you. Not only for your continued support in business, but your friendships and love. Thank you all.

11/12/2022

I have had more than a dozen calls and texts today asking if the Smith River is open. It is Closed!! I know the river is over the 600 cfs requirement, but when DFW made its last assessment the forecast was for the river to fall below 600 cfs by today. By regulation they can close the river upon this forecast. They will evaluate the river on Monday and decide to keep it closed, or open it by the cfs at that time and the forecast. Evaluation days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday unless the river shows promise of staying well above the 600 CFS benchmark. You can also call the hotline @ 707-822-3164. I don’t mind answering the calls and texts, just thought I would catch a wider audience. Pic is for attention!!!!

11/10/2022

With the rain drying up the river will most likely close before the weekend. I am super thankful to have had a few days chasing these chinook. By far my favorite. This one is the biggest by far for me this season and we were super lucky to get him as he was wrapped in a snag for nearly ten minutes. It was a lot of luck and a true testament to quality equipment!!

07/06/2022

A couple of unexpected days off produces a warm fire.

07/04/2022

We would like to wish you all a Happy Independence Day. Please remember what we are celebrating and try to understand how much that history matters!!!