Want to know how to use a drift boat? There’s an opportunity to learn from an actual designer, builder and fisherman from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.

The presenter is retired Western Carolina University Engineering and Technology Professor Robert Dalley. He’s been featured on the “Bob Caldwell Outdoors” segment of WLOS-TV news, and recognized for his fishing expertise in Sports Illustrated magazine.

Drift boats, also known as McKenzie boats, are specialized fishing vessels powered by oars adept for maneuvering down mountain rivers.  

You’ll learn about oar selection, anchor systems and anchoring selection, hull materials and design, and view the video “A Smoky Mountain Drift Boat Adventure.” The program will cover design elements that make drift boats safer on the water, and discuss how to handle whitewater situations. Dalley will explain ferrying and safe operation in an on-the-water demonstration.

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is in the Pisgah National Forest next to the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery.

www.ncwildlife.org or 828.877.4423.