About Fishtrap
Organizational Profile ~ Donors & Supporters ~ Historical Profile
Fishtrap began in 1988 with a Summer Writers Gathering at the old Methodist Church Camp at Wallowa Lake. Over one hundred writers, editors, teachers, librarians and readers spent a July weekend reading, listening, and discussing "Western Writing and Eastern Publishing." A New York agent, a New York publisher, and Western writers Kim Stafford, Ursula LeGuin, Jim Welch, George Venn, and Craig Lesley kicked off that first Fishtrap. And each summer since a like number has gathered to listen and respond to other outstanding Western writers address the pressing issues of writing and living in the West.
Since that time, in measured steps, Fishtrap has added a series of summer writing workshops; a Fellowship Program; the Winter Fishtrap Gathering; Writers-in-Residence; and a writers' retreat on the Imnaha River as well as numerous readings, a lecture series, Friday college classes, and writing workshops throughout the year. Though these activities are varied, the goal has been and is to serve emerging writers and writing.
Fishtrap is guided by a very active local Board of Directors
that meets monthly, and a wider Advisory Board that consults constantly
and meets occasionally. As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Fishtrap
welcomes donations large and small to assist funding specific programs,
meet matching grant requests, and provide scholarships for deserving
individuals.