Mike Coopman's Guide Service

03/15/2025

Tonight was a little bitter sweet. John Klar's Salmon & Steelhead Sportfishing (John Klar) and I have worked side by side on our North Coast rivers for over Thirty years. We have been fortunate enough to remain very close friends through all of these years. Over these years we’ve competed with each other very competitively to constantly one up the other. At some point along the way we effectively decided to just team up together. Not in business, but in the way we fished around one another. Before I knew it we were taking turns being first through the next run and whoever was second used the information from the one in front to make his next move. It wasn’t long before we literally knew what the other was thinking. It became a science! It literally became an instrument for the success of our customers. Yes there were days that each of us had bruised egos and yes there were some choice words exchanged at times, but what really great, long lasting friendships don’t have those moments?

Tomorrow John will fish his last winter steelhead trip as a professional. We celebrated tonight with dinner and a cocktail. We had great conversation about mostly anything not related to fishing!! It has been a wonderful three plus decades my friend. The selfish part of me is sad. The true man in me is happy to see my friend move into the next chapter of life. Cheers my friend!! Here is to you and Lisa and your new winter time adventures. Love you my friend.

Disclaimer: John will continue guiding during different seasons.

03/07/2025

02/16/2025

Here are a few pics from the last week or so. Sorry for not posting more. Been super busy!! Keep your lines tight,

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