WKU’s American Traveler program is hosting a fly fishing trip to Missoula, Mont., from July 18-23.

“The trip to Montana should be a great experience,” said Raymond Poff, recreation administration director. “That area is kind of iconic for fly fishing.”

Poff and Jerry Barnaby, study away program director, formed the trip through American Traveler, which is a non-credit version of study away.

Poff will be going on the trip to assist, as he’s been fly fishing since he was an undergraduate student.

The trip’s $2,590 fee covers everything from equipment to lodging and meals, as well as advice from expert fly fishers in the area. It doesn’t cover transportation to Montana.

“When the university announced the Study Away and American Traveler program, I automatically knew that developing a fly fishing American Traveler program would be something that I would be interested in doing and that there was probably an interest with our faculty, staff, and alumni,” Poff said.

Barnaby said WKU could accept as many as 10 or 12 to go on the trip with a minimum of five people. He said the trip would be cheaper than it would be if one took the same trip on his or her own.

There will be one fly fishing guide for every two travelers, according to a WKU press release on the trip.

While Poff will be going on the trip, Barnaby is handling registration, which is underway now.

Non-WKU students are eligible for the trip, and Barnaby said many have asked about taking children. Though there is no requirement, Poff recommended taking children no younger than 10 or 12.

Poff instructs a 3-hour May term fly fishing class for credit. There will also be a fly fishing workshop on April 16 that focuses on casting technique. Both workshops are available to all.

While the courses are offered, Poff said that no experience is necessary to go on the Montana trip this summer. Because there will be guides on the trip, beginners can come as well as people with fly fishing experience.

Barnaby said the trip will consist of about 12 hours a day on the water, with the exception of Wednesday, which the group will spend doing something else as a “down day.”

Barnaby said he may go on the trip, as well, to document it.

“We’re going to play it by ear,” he said.