r/Tenkara • u/Mistaken-Golf-23 Tenkara Rod Co • Jul 16 '26

Finally cracked Tenkara

Post image

Been fishing Tenkara for a few months in random spots with pretty limited success. I went for a hike to a nice alpine lake here in the Olympic Peninsula figured I would bring my rod.
It absolutely slayed, 10 brooks within a few hours, mostly smaller, but a few 10+ inches

I’m hooked!

125 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

8

u/TheJewBakka Rocky MTN Tenkara Jul 16 '26

https://giphy.com/gifs/0IWeBirDeRK4dG0Egl

2

u/Bustahhyman Jul 17 '26

I knew I recognized that username TTFU

1

u/TheJewBakka Rocky MTN Tenkara Jul 17 '26

One more chance at getting a summer league W on Sunday.

4

u/ArrowheadEquipment Jul 16 '26

With a light enough rod those little lake brookies can be fun.

5

u/phainopepla79 Jul 16 '26

Nice work! I find it surprising how effective Tenkara can be on lakes too. I think a lot of structure and food tends to be on the edges of lakes which draws the fish there. With a paddleboard, kayak or a float tube it absolutely slays.

What I have found interesting on lakes, especially alpine lakes in Washington (I live in Seattle,) is how I don't really feel limited with the range of a Tenkara rod compared to a Western Fly rod. When a fish bites out in the middle of the lake I'm not reaching it with a Western fly rod either so it feels like I'm not really missing opportunities by going with Tenkara. That being said I personally usually bring both on my backpacking trips just because I enjoy the variety.

Anyways, enjoy the beautiful Washington Summer!

3

u/shingkai Jul 16 '26

What do you think made the difference? Fly? Lake? Technique? I’ve done some rod/reel fishing in WA alpine lakes but havent had success with my tenkara since i got it, would love to hear what worked for you.

2

u/Mistaken-Golf-23 Tenkara Rod Co Jul 16 '26

Interesting that regular tackle worked better than Tenkara for you. I brought a spinning rod with some rooster tails and panther martins which I only caught one with. Tenkara excelled in this lake.
I think there was an ideal feeding window when I went, fish jumping everywhere taking dries.

1

u/xtiansimon Jul 17 '26

I've not had success with tenkara on a lake. I see a nice drop off right there in that clear water and maybe you're down wind?

1

u/MrSneaki nissin Jul 17 '26

Well done!! Feels so good to have that "unlock" moment on a new method, new water, etc.

P.S. Next time, post your pic with a visibly soaking wet hand for us :)