Midwest Tenkara Fest

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.

Mornings start with coffee and pastries; evenings are for shared dinners, stories, and unwinding after time on the water. See agenda below.

You can pre-order a shirt at https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/85830629-midwest-tenkara-fest-2026?

FRIDAY, MAY 1

12:30-5:00 Registration and Check-in

6:30-7:00 Welcome Roundup

7:00-8:00 Dinner - Pizza

8:00-10:30 Campfire

SATURDAY, MAY 2

6:00-8:00 Coffee and Crullers At Basecamp

7:00-8:00 Tenkara 101 - Setups and Equipment

8:00-9:00 Tenkara 101 - Casting

9:00-10:00 Tenkara 101 - Reading the Water

10:00-11:00 Tenkara 101 - Fly Presentation

11:00-12:00 Tenkara 101 - Landing and Handling

3:00-4:00 Flies and Tying at the Shelter

6:00 Evening Events & Dinner - BBQ & Potluck
*Choice of Chicken, Pork, or Vegetarian Skewers (dinner roll, beans, and slaw) BYOB.
7:00 Presentations, Games, Door Prizes

8:00 ish-10:30 Campfire

SUNDAY, MAY 3

6:00-8:00 Coffee and Crullers

12:00 Closing Ceremonies (Clean Up)

Info: Informal hourly classes will take you through the basics of tenkara and getting you started on the right foot.


7:00-8:00 Tenkara 101 - Setups and Equipment

8:00-9:00 Tenkara 101 - Casting Clinic

9:00-10:00 Tenkara 101 - Reading the Water

10:00-11:00 Tenkara 101 - Fly Presentation

11:00-12:00 Tenkara 101 - Landing and Handling

Info: Check in with the hosts.

Info: Welcoming briefing. Get the lay of the event and schedules, direction to local streams, and get to know event organizers and volunteers.

Info: Learn all about fly selection, get to know the basics of tying your own, and get step-by-step instructions on tying some driftless classics. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own vises and tying tools if possible.

Also check out other Festivals in Westby, Workshops in Westby.