tenkara boot camp - TanukiRod

I’m excited to share that Tenkara Bug Out is back this year.

As the first tenkara campout in the western United States, the Bug Out holds a special place in our community. Founded in 2017 by Jim Vandagrift, it was created as a gathering where anglers could come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the simple joy of fishing with tenkara.

After COVID and the fires in Oregon, the event was put on hold for a time. That is why its return feels especially meaningful. The Bug Out is not only coming back—it returns to a tenkara community that has continued to grow stronger, closer, and more connected over the years.

I’m also very happy that Amanda Hoffner, Tanuki Ambassador, known on social media as Lady TenkaraBum, is now working alongside Jim to help organize the event. After moving from South Carolina to Oregon, Amanda became part of the team helping bring the Bug Out back, and I’m grateful to join them as well in helping host the boot camp.

“This year we’re heading to La Pine, OR, putting us within reach of some world-class water: the Fall River, the Deschutes River, the Crooked River, and the Metolius River. If you like big fish energy, several of these rivers hold 20in + fish, with some tipping the scales into double digits. And if fishing smaller, more intimate settings is your vibe, we’ve got you covered there too.” Jim Vandagrift.
For ongoing updates and community discussion, follow Tenkara Bug Out on Facebook.

Schedule Overview

(A detailed schedule will be provided as we get closer to the event.)

Friday 6/26/26 — Hit the rivers on your own. That evening, gather around the community campfire to connect, swap stories, and share ideas. Maps with river locations and access points will be provided ahead of the event.

Saturday 6/27/26 — Tanuki Tenkara Boot Camp takes over with presentations and hands-on learning throughout the day. We’ll close out the night around the campfire together.

Sunday 6/28/26 — Learning Stations and then back on the rivers, fishing on your own. Maps and access points provided ahead of the event.

Event Costs

Entry: $75 per person for the event +boot camp

If you would like to join us at our group campsite the package total for camping and the event will be $110 for the weekend (up to 3 nights — Thursday, Friday & Saturday). These open and large campsites will be shared between all those who attend.

Registration Here –>https://tinyurl.com/msnw848z

Expect incredible door prizes from our sponsors and a raffle supporting local conservation efforts..

I’m truly looking forward to being part of it and seeing the Bug Out return.
a weekend of fishing, learning, and community built around the art of traditional Japanese tenkara.

This year we’re heading to La Pine, OR, putting us within reach of some world-class water: the Fall River, the Deschutes River, the Crooked River, and the Metolius River.

If you like big fish energy, several of these rivers hold 20″+ fish, with some tipping the scales into double digits. And if fishing smaller, more intimate settings is your vibe, we’ve got you covered there too.

Expect incredible door prizes from our sponsors and a raffle supporting local conservation efforts.

Schedule Overview

(A detailed schedule will be provided as we get closer to the event.)

Friday 6/26/26 — Hit the rivers on your own. That evening, gather around the community campfire to connect, swap stories, and share ideas. Maps with river locations and access points will be provided ahead of the event.

Saturday 6/27/26 — Tanuki Tenkara Boot Camp takes over with presentations and hands-on learning throughout the day. We’ll close out the night around the campfire together.

Sunday 6/28/26 — Learning Stations and then back on the rivers, fishing on your own. Maps and access points provided ahead of the event.

Event Costs

Entry: $75 per person for the event

Registration Here >>> https://tinyurl.com/msnw848z

More details on camping coming soon.

If you want to attend but the entry and camping fees are a roadblock for you, we will have a few scholarships available.

Registration will be open by end of March.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Jim Vandagrift:
Camping