931 | The Sandy River Spey Clave and The Oufitter's Camp Cookbook with Mia Sheppard
When a legendary river event like the Sandy River Spay Clave disappears, it doesn't mean it's gone forever—especially when someone like Mia Sheppard decides to bring it back. In this episode, Mia, founder of Little Creek Outfitters, reveals how she resurrected the iconic clave after a six-year hiatus, transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive gathering that blends fly fishing education, community, and outdoor culture. But the story doesn’t stop there: she’s also launching *The Outfitters Camp Cookbook*, a 60-recipe guide to Dutch oven cooking in the wild, born from years of river life, campfire stories, and a deep love for the outdoors. From managing fire bands on desert rivers to navigating bureaucratic hurdles and personal doubts, Mia shares the real work behind the scenes—proving that passion, persistence, and a well-organized Google Calendar can rebuild a legacy. Her journey from self-doubt to authorship, driven by a desire to inspire her daughter and others, makes this episode a powerful testament to what’s possible when you follow your instincts and cook with heart. Beyond the clave and the cookbook, Mia reflects on her 25-year career on the river—from surviving a near-flip in a Clackercraft to floating the Grand Canyon for 21 days and learning the art of storytelling from legends like Trey Combs.
The Sandy River Spay Clave is returning in 2027 as a two-day, camping-friendly event with no entry fee, offering on-water presentations and a strong focus on community and education.
Mia Sheppard’s new cookbook, *The Outfitters Camp Cookbook*, features 60 Dutch oven recipes and practical outdoor cooking guidance, with a focus on lightweight aluminum ovens and fire management.
Aluminum Dutch ovens are a game-changer for outfitters—lighter, faster-cooking, and durable—making them ideal for river trips where weight matters.
The Grand Canyon trip was a 21-day float in 2021, with water levels dropping from 9,000 to 4,500 CFS, creating a unique experience of navigating rapids that felt unnaturally calm.
Mia overcame self-doubt and lack of formal education to write a book, driven by a desire to show her daughter—and others—that you don’t need a degree to succeed.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Return of the Sandy River Spay Clave
“The clave was an opportunity to see people, meet people and see all your friends that are in the industry. And there's people coming from probably 12 different states and from Canada and all over.”
The Outfitters Camp Cookbook: A River-Rooted Recipe Guide
“I've never considered myself a writer. I enjoy the process of writing. I love writing. I didn't graduate college and I actually didn't graduate high school.”
Why the John Day River Is Not the Deschutes
Mia explains the flawed permit system on the John Day River, how it’s not a dammed river like the Deschutes, and how fluctuating flows make it unsuitable for the same management model.
The Grand Canyon Float: 21 Days on the River
Mia recounts her 21-day Grand Canyon float in 2021, including low water levels, navigating rapids at 4,500 CFS, and the emotional and physical transformation of being disconnected from the modern world.
The Power of the Dutch Oven in the Wild
Mia breaks down the practicalities of Dutch oven cooking—aluminum vs. cast iron, wood vs. briquettes, fire management—and why avoiding lifting the lid is critical for success.
“His quote is chasing runs of steelhead from tributary to tributary along the Columbia Snake River Snake River system could jeopardize one's career, marriage and mental health. So who cares?”
“So something I want to share with you is I've never considered myself a writer. I enjoy the process of writing. I love writing. I didn't graduate college and I actually didn't graduate high school.”
“And I just feel I just want this to be, you know, I wanted to inspire people to to get outdoors. I also once I started writing this, I felt committed because as a parent, I do not. want Tegan to see me fail.”
Host
Guest
Sandy River Spay Clave
other
Mia Sheppard
person
Little Creek Outfitters
organization
Trey Combs
person
Mark Bachman
person
Ron Walp
person
Corto Publishing
organization
Patty Barnes
person
Frank Amato
person
Bureau of Land Management
organization
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime