FAQ

Founded in 1988, Fishtrap is a literary nonprofit located in rural northeastern Oregon that runs programs throughout the year designed to cultivate clear thinking and good writing in and about the West.

We do not, though local fishing outfit, Joseph Fly Shoppe, does!

The legend is that Fishtrap’s name is a play on the Nez Perce word “wallowa,” meaning the anchor on each end of traditional fishing weirs—fish traps. For us, the name symbolizes our roots in the local area of Wallowa County. It also offers a wonderful echo of the famous performing arts center, Wolf Trap, based in Virgina. Over time, the Fishtrap name has come to symbolize the essential purpose of the organization—just as a fish trap catches food to feed our body, Fishtrap helps us capture that which nourishes our creative life.

Fishtrap has a variety of programs that serve both the local community of Wallowa County, and the greater regional community of the West, designed to serve the needs of writers and storytellers of all ages and abilities.

Fishtrap is located in Enterprise, Oregon, the county seat for Wallowa County, in northeast Oregon. Our staff is currently working from home as we await the completion of our new space in the historic Bowlby Building on Main Street in Enterprise. Our annual Summer Fishtrap Gathering is held at Wallowa Lake Lodge at the head of Wallowa Lake just outside of Joseph (about fifteen minutes away).

Absolutely not. While promoting good writing is at the heart of our mission, we believe everyone has a story to tell, and a need to connect with the stories of others. Throughout the year we provide programming for readers (The Big Read), listeners (Fishtrap Fireside), and anyone with a desire to learn more about the west. Follow us on Facebook for the latest news on programming at Fishtrap, or contact us for more information.

Fishtrap promotes good writing, but does not publish books or connect writers with agents. While we recognize the merit in publishing (some of our best friends are publishers!) and the desire to see your work in print, Fishtrap's primary focus is on the writing process through developing programs that develop the craft of writing and establishing a supportive literary community.

Congratulations! We're always working to figure out the best way to celebrate all the Fishtrappers who publish new work. The challenge? There are so many of you! If you are in the area between October and April, we host open mic sessions at the monthly Fishtrap Fireside events. They are great place to share your work with the local community. Please contact us for more information.