The 12th Annual Owens River Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM at Pleasant Valley Campground..

First, I want to say a big thank you to Chris for keeping the river clean—for me, and for all of us who fish it. Bishop is where I fish often, and over the years it has come to feel like a home away from home.

This year, the boot camp falls on the same weekend, so if you’re attending the clean-up, you can also join the boot camp as well.

Each year, this event brings together anglers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the state. Around 100 volunteers typically show up, all with the same intention—to give back to a river that has given us so much. What started as a simple clean-up has grown into a meaningful community gathering, with raffles, giveaways, and in recent years, activities that go beyond just picking up trash.

Since then, I’ve attended the event every year. In the early days, I contributed by donating tenkara rods and accessories for raffles. But I began to notice something—many people who won the rods didn’t quite know how to use them. The gear was there, but the understanding was missing.

Twelve years ago, I met Chris Leonard, a high school teacher from Mammoth Lakes, when he organized the very first Owens River Clean Up. Around that same time, I was beginning my journey with my first Tanuki rod. We met through the river and, over time, became good friends. What connected us was simple—fishing, respect for nature, and a shared outdoor lifestyle. I’ve also learned a lot from Chris over the years, especially how to guide and teach people on the water. He has been both a good friend and a great teacher to me.

That realization shifted my approach.

Over the past few years, I’ve started hosting tenkara casting clinics during the event. What began as a small effort to help a few people has grown into something more. We added a tenkara casting tournament, creating a small “event within the event.” It’s informal and fun, but more importantly, it gives people a chance to engage more deeply—not just with the gear, but with the method itself.

For me, this event has always been more than a clean-up. It’s about connection—between people, between anglers, and between us and the river. It’s also a reminder that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up.

I look forward to it every year