Fly Fishing Montana

Welcome to the WKU Fly Fishing Montana program. Established in 2012, this innovative program was designed to serve university students and the community to "provide opportunities for people of the region to be educated, entertained, assisted, and inspired outside the classroom." (WKU Strategic Plan 2018-2028)

This program includes two options:

1) University students - 3 credit hour course (for WKU and other schools too).

2) Community members - seeking a fly-fishing adventure with WKU faculty and students. The program provides a well-designed experience without the logistics.

Join us and experience fly fishing on world renowned waters containing 5 species of trout: rainbow, brown, cutthroat, hybrid cutbow, and brook. These waters offer anglers a chance at a "Grand Slam" (catching 4-5 species of trout in one day).

What does program include?

• 4 days of fly fishing and instruction (float trips with one guide and 2 anglers per boat)
• Use of fly fishing equipment (rod, reel, etc.)
• Montana fishing license + associated fees
• Terminal tackle (leader, tippet, flies)
• Guide gratuity (participants can tip more if desired)
• 5 nights lodging (two participants per room)
• Lunch Tuesday-Friday
• Missoula airport hotel shuttle. 

Transportation to/from Missoula, MT not included in program cost. Participants need to arrive in Missoula no later than Monday evening. Most participants will fly home Saturday.

• No prior fishing experience is required.
• Fly fishing equipment is provided to use during the course or program.
• Program includes on-campus (students) and off-campus instruction (students and community).
• Students are responsible for transportation to off-campus locations during pre-Montana class sessions (if applicable).

Course Objectives (for students)

Join us for a fantastic course designed to teach you the fundamentals of fly fishing. Fly fishing is a lifetime leisure pursuit; treat yourself to some quality instruction to jump start the learning curve.

• Acquire an understanding of fly-fishing equipment.
• Be able to tie key knots needed for fly fishing.
• Effectively tie common fly patterns.
• Demonstrate proper fly casting techniques.
• Effectively present flies when fishing on flat and moving water.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of entomology as it relates to fishing.

Promo video created by WKU student, Reed Mattison.

• WKU Fly Fishing Montana flyer graphic
• Listen to our 2019 radio ad from Commonwealth Broadcasting
• 2019 WNKY What's Happening SoKY video about Fly Fishing Montana

Thanks to the generosity of a WKU donor, and their employer's charitable gift matching program, we will be awarding a very limited number of scholarships to students participating in the fall 2024 program to help offset the program expenses. This is our fourth year using these funds and we have used most of the money during the previous three fall courses.

These limited scholarships will be awarded primarily on a first come, first served basis. Financial need, unique circumstances, and other factors may also be used to select students.

Academic class meeting dates/times for WKU students

Tuesdays, 2:20-5:05 P.M., Smith Stadium East + Bowling Green and surrounding areas.

Classroom meeting dates: Tuesdays, Fall semester.

Sept 16-21 Tentative Program Travel Itinerary

• Monday- Arrive in Missoula, MT
• Tuesday - Full day fly fishing & instruction
• Wednesday - Full day fly fishing & instruction
• Thursday - Full day fly fishing & instruction
• Friday - Full day fly fishing & instruction
• Saturday - Say goodbye to Montana and your new friends before heading home.

2024 Program Cost*  Cost based on the total # of participants (students and community members). Double occupancy lodging.

• $2,875 = 5
• $2,825 = 7
• $2,675 = 9
• $2,600 = 11
• $2,525 = 13
• $2,475 = 15
• $2,425 = 17
• $2,400 = 19

*Attention credit-seeking students: Part-time WKU students (less than 12 hours) and non-WKU university students will be charged tuition in addition to the program fee. Please contact Dr. Poff for details.

Included in the program fee

• [Students only] 3 undergraduate credit hours (for full-time WKU students, not enrolled in more than 18 hours in Fall 2023 semester). Part-time students or non-degree seeking students will be charged tuition.
• 5 nights lodging accommodations during program (double occupancy). Check in on Monday; check out on Saturday morning. Earlier arrivals are available at an additional cost with enough lead time and room availability.
• Lunch while fishing (Tuesday-Friday)
• 4 full days of fly fishing and instruction (float trips with one guide and 2 anglers per boat) in raft or drift boat.
• Montana fishing license + Applicable State Fees (Aquatic Invasive Species & Conservation)
• Use of fly-fishing equipment (rod, reel, etc.)
• Terminal tackle (leader, tippet, flies).
• Guide gratuity (participants are welcome to tip extra if inclined to do so)
• Missoula airport hotel shuttle

Excluded in the program fee

• Items not explicitly listed here.
• Transportation to/from Missoula, MT.
• Transportation between your departure airport and your home.
• Independent travel (non-program travel).
• Personal expenses.
• Travel cancellation/interruption insurance. Highly recommended.
• Baggage fees and costs associated with flight changes.
• Meals, beverages, and services not mentioned in the program.

Application Process

• Please contact Dr. Raymond Poff via e-mail raymond.poff@wku.edu to gain access to the application when it is available.

Please contact Dr. Raymond Poff via e-mail raymond.poff@wku.edu for any additional details about this program.

 

We are pleased to continue our long-term working relationship with Russell Parks (#9928 licensed Montana Outfitter)  Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters, LLC. Russell has provided our guiding services since 2011. We are also happy to continue supporting the Missoulian Angler fly shop in Missoula, MT; Missoula's oldest fly shop.