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.
If anglers would like to extend their stay in the Driftless, it was brought to our attention by our friend Dave Noll that following the Midwest Tenkara Fest a smaller group of campers will be continuing the fun at the Waukon City Campground in Waukon, Iowa. This is separate from the main event noted above. There are also motels available in both Waukon and Decorah which is about 15 minutes away. Join them and discover the incredible waters of the Iowa Driftless.
White Mountains Tenkara Campout 2026
June 5-7, 2026
Barnes Field Campground – Gorham, New Hampshire
Now in its fifth year, the White Mountains Tenkara Camp Out is a grassroots gathering for tenkara anglers of all experience levels set amid some of the best wild trout water in New England. The weekend features small-group fishing throughout the White Mountains National Forest, optional instruction stations, fly tying at camp, evening presentations, and a group cookout with campfire hangout. Friday opens with registration and welcome packs, a social hour at Big Day Brewing, and a group raffle, while Sunday wraps up with a noon checkout. Tickets are available now and expected to sell out. Keep an eye on the event’s Facebook group page for additional information.
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.
High Desert Tenkara Campout 2026
July 24th – 27th, 2026
Amole Canyon Group Shelter – Vadito, NM (near Taos)
Presented by Rocky MTN Tenkara
The first-ever Rocky MTN Tenkara High Desert Campout is a free, four-day “choose your own adventure” gathering set among the small streams and big waters of Northern New Mexico, about 15 miles outside of Taos. Anglers of all styles are welcome, with access to countless blue-line streams as well as larger waters like the Rio Grande Box, ranging from easy wading to more adventurous hike-in experiences. The campground accommodates up to 100 people and 30 vehicles with outhouse facilities on site, and nearby Taos lodging is available for those who prefer an alternative to dry camping. Evenings are set aside for casual gathering to share stories and fishing reports, and downloadable maps and local fishing info will be available on the Rocky MTN Tenkara website. This is a free to participate (donations are welcome), and the event wraps up with cleanup and checkout on Monday the 27th.
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.
2026 Tenkara Takeover on the San Juan River
September 21–24, 2026
Cottonwood Campground, San Juan River – Navajo Dam, New Mexico
Presented by Chuck Kaminski & Tenkara Fishers Facebook Group
Tenkara Takeover is a relaxed, four-day meetup centered on fishing the renowned San Juan River below Navajo Dam. With no formal schedule, participants meet each morning to coordinate plans before heading out to fish, then gather informally in the evenings. This tailwater offers excellent access along the first four miles below the dam and provides ideal honryu-style conditions, with wadable runs and strong populations of trout averaging 14″–18″, along with real opportunities for fish over 20 inches. Small flies, especially midges and mayflies in size 20 or smaller are typically most effective, reflecting the river’s rich food base and frequent hatch activity. Early campground reservations at Cottonwood Campground are recommended due to the river’s popularity, and additional services, lodging, and supplies are available in nearby Aztec and Bloomfield. Visit the Facebook Event Page for more details and ongoing 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.
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.
