2026 Tenkara Events
Many interesting tenkara and fixed line fly fishing events are scheduled across the country each year. Please check out this page often to see what’s coming up, and potentially to your area. Also, if you’re scheduling a tenkara gathering or event in 2026, let us know through the form at the bottom of this page so we can post the details!
Note: All events that Tenkara Angler has written about (past and present) can be found by clicking on this link.
Tap Talk on Tenkara and Fly Tying
February 19th, 2026 – 5:30-7:30pm
Common Fields Tap Room, Corvallis, Oregon
Presented by the Marys River Watershed Council & Amanda Hoffner
Join international tenkara angler Amanda Hoffner, also known as Lady Tenkara Bum, for an interactive Tap Talk exploring the simplicity and effectiveness of tenkara fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Now based in the Willamette Valley, Amanda will demonstrate how to tie traditional and modern tenkara flies while sharing insights from her experience fishing in 30 states, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own vise and tie along. Hosted at Common Fields, the free event also supports conservation, with 10% of the day’s proceeds benefiting the Marys River Watershed Council
2026 Midwest Tenkara Fest
May 1-3, 2026
Esofea/Rentz Campground – Westby, Wisconsin
Presented by A.J. Moore & the Tenkara Chums
Midwest Tenkara Fest is a relaxed get-together for anglers who love the simplicity of fixed-line angling, flowing water, and shared learning. Held in the heart of the Driftless Region, the fest brings together experienced tenkara anglers, curious newcomers, instructors, and makers for a long weekend of fishing, learning, and camaraderie. Across three days, attendees can take part in small-group, one-hour classes, enjoy informal fishing in the driftless, join in evening meals, play games and enter prize drawings all designed to keep the focus on technique, conservation, and enjoyment of tenkara fishing. Paid registration is required this year for group camping and/or meals, with details available on their Eventbrite page.
White Mountains Tenkara Campout 2026
June 5-7, 2026
Barnes Field Campground – Gorham, New Hampshire
Save the Date! The Northeast’s premier tenkara gathering, take advantage of the miles of beautiful brook trout water in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Organized by Bill Holleran, formerly of Red Brook Tenkara, we will post more details as things are finalized. In the meantime, keep an eye on the event’s Facebook group page.
Tenkara Bug Out 2026
June 26th – 28th, 2026
La Pine, Oregon
Presented by Jim Vandagrift, Amanda Hoffner, & Tenkara Oregon
The 5th annual Tenkara Bug Out will be held June 26–28, 2026, in La Pine, Oregon giving anglers access to world-class fisheries including the Deschutes River, Metolius River, Crooked River, and Fall River, with opportunities to pursue everything from small-stream trout to fish exceeding 20 inches. The event combines self-guided fishing with community campfires, educational presentations, and hands-on instruction hosted by Tenkara Tanuki Boot Camp, along with sponsor door prizes and a conservation raffle. Registration opens in March, with a $50 entry fee and optional group camping available for $60 for up to three nights, and scholarships offered to help make the event accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
Wyoming Tenkara Campout 2026
August 27-30, 2026
Alpine North Loop Campground – Outside Alpine, Wyoming
Presented by DRAGONtail Tenkara
After last year’s successful Idaho Tenkara Campout, DRAGONtail is moving the venue to Wyoming! It will be held near Alpine Wyoming at the ALPINE NORTH LOOP Group Campground in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. They have reserved 3 medium sized group campsite loops (GS1, GS2, GS3) next to each other. GS1 has a larger parking area and is in the middle so there will be a large meeting area to hang out in the mornings or evenings between fishing and some extra space if you want to camp with the group. Admission is free, but registration is recommended and will open in early 2026. There is also a Facebook Event page to keep up with discussion.
Colorado Tenkara Campout 2026
September 25-28, 2025
Hecla Junction Campground – Salida, Colorado
The Colorado Tenkara Camp returns September 25–28 at Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area, with this year’s gathering based at Hecla Junction Campground, about 12 miles from Salida. Registration is free, but only 23 campsites are available and attendees must reserve their own site, as well as hold a valid Colorado fishing license and parks pass for access to the Arkansas River and nearby tributaries. This casual, self-supported campout emphasizes fishing and community, with campers responsible for bringing their own food, water, and supplies, though a potluck is planned and additional provisions are available in Salida; the campground offers tent and RV sites, primitive toilets, and convenient river access for anglers looking to explore excellent trout water and connect with fellow tenkara enthusiasts.
2025 Tenkara Events
Keeping 2025’s events posted as a general reference for those that have not yet been re-scheduled or announced for 2026. I wouldn’t be surprised to see several of these held on similar dates.
Tenkara Tanuki Boot Camp (Western North Carolina)
May 17-18, 2025
Mary C. Jenkins Community Center – Brevard, North Carolina
Presented by Tenkara Tanuki
A two-day intensive learning about fly fishing with a tenkara rod. Featuring lecture-style and PowerPoint presentations by Luong Tam, Robert Worthing, Amanda Hoffner, and local fishing guides Ben Colonnese and Chris Jameson. The second day will feature casting and opportunties to fish. There is a Facebook Event page with some additional information. Paid registration is required.
Women’s Tenkara Fly Fishing 101
June 8, 2025, 8AM – 2PM
Mansfield Hollow Lake Boat Ramp – Mansfield Center, Connecticut
Presented by Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Amanda Hoffner will be leading a women’s introduction to tenkara class on behalf of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection as part of their Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required. Register here. (A valid CT fishing license is required to participate.)
Learn Tenkara Fly Fishing
June 21, 2025, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Appalachian Sun Brewery – 221 S. Sycamore St, Elizabethton, TN
Presented by Hellbender Outfitters
What is Tenkara fishing? Where did it come from? Why does it seem to be blowing up across the country? Why should I care? Learn all this and more! There will be food onsite for purchase from Banjo BBQ, raffles and tons to learn! Contact Hellbender Outfitters to book your spot now. $20 registration required per person, kids under 12 are free.
Tenkara Tanuki Boot Camp (Eastern Sierras)
September 27-28, 2025
Tri-County Fairgrounds – 475 Sierra St, Bishop, CA
Presented by Tenkara Tanuki
This immersive two-day event brings together renowned tenkara instructors from across the country for intensive seminars, hands-on workshops, and expert-led sessions—all designed to elevate your skills and deepen your connection to the craft. Paid registration is required.
Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
A full day of presentations and workshops with: Frank Burr, Martin Montejano, Chris Leonard, Thomas Paulson, Fred Rowe, and Luong Tam
Sunday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
On-the-water session focused on casting, fly presentation, and practical fishing techniques using a tenkara rod.
Western North Carolina Fall Tenkara Campout
October 3-5, 2025
Davidson River Campground, Brevard, North Carolina
Presented by Victoria Smith, Appalachian Tenkara Anglers Facebook Group
Back by semi-popular demand! Group campout at Davidson River Campground in Brevard, NC. More information to come regarding programming but please reserve a campsite at DRC soon. If you would rather stay at an Air BnB or hotel there is plenty of lodging in the area. Hope to see you there!
List Your Event Here!
Are you planning on holding a tenkara event this year? Let us know the pertinent details and we’ll list it on this page.
