The Colorado Tenkara Campout 2026 - Fails, Victories, Rivers & Tiny Creeks

Late September, 2026. I managed to join the Tenkara Campout event in Colorado this year. This is an annual gathering of Tenkara fly fishers where Tenkara nerds get to share stories, info, lessons, and their experience around the campfire and on the river. It was great meeting people I've communicated with before , as well as some brand new for me faces!

This year it took place on the Arkansas river near Salida. My son came along as well, as he loves camping and has been getting into fly fishing recently. After many traffic delays we made it to the camp site late Friday evening, but fortunately it was almost full moon, which helped a lot with setting up our tents.

The next morning we surveyed the area, met a few fellow campers, and got ready to go on the river. The sunrise was beautiful and I wish we started fishing earlier, but we took our time:)

In line with the nature of fishing, even though all signs pointed to a promising day, somehow we ended up struggling to net even one fish. I've never tried as many different techniques on one day before - dry dropper, tight line nymphing, dry fly, double dry fly, streamer, kebari. Nothing produced but a couple of bites.

My son was disappointed and tired, and I was even more disappointed that I couldn't help him land a fish, but again, that's the nature of fishing, you never really know their mood.

The next morning we headed back, however I had to stop for 30-45 min at a tiny creek fairly along the way in order to catch something:) My son was too tired, so he just enjoyed the shade of a nice tree overlooking the stream.

Meanwhile I made my way up the creek and quickly landed several beautiful wild brown trout on a small caddis dry fly - perfection!

The great company, beautiful weather, amazing scenery, and tiny "Plan B" creek saved the weekend, however we still have some unfinished business on the Arkansas!