Karen Brooks

FEATURED ANGLER
Deloraine, in northern Tasmania, Australia
How long have you been fly fishing?
Around 25 years.
Favorite fly-fishing partner
My husband, Peter, without a doubt; we have shared many fantastic days on the water together.
Favorite water to fish
The Meander and Mersey Rivers—my home waters, both outstanding, unpressured, and productive rivers, which will be venues for the upcoming World Fly Fishing Championships.
Favorite species to fish for
Wild brown trout.
Bucket List
Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, and Slovenia fishing for Mediterranean trout, grayling, and marble trout and learning from some of the European masters of competition fly fishing.
Top Three Fly Patterns
CDC F Fly, Squirrel Nymph, Frenchie.

Karen Brooks

Karen’s passion for the outdoors led her to fly fishing 25 years ago, fuelled by her husband, Peter.

Years of fun followed, fishing the small streams that flow from the high country of southeastern Australia before exploring farther afield to many and varied international destinations.

A 2010 fly-fishing “trout bum” holiday through South and North America led to several aspirations: to inspire more women to become involved in fly fishing in Australia, to set up a guiding and accommodation business in Tasmania, and to attain her Certified Casting Certificate with Fly Fishers International. Driftwater Lodge in Tasmania was born from that idea, and others have followed. Karen now finds herself guiding and teaching both women and men on the pristine rivers and lakes of northern Tasmania—and inspiring other females to enjoy fly fishing.

In 2016, Karen was introduced to competition fly fishing in Australia, and has since competed regularly in state and national competitions. She was selected to represent Australia at the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships in South Africa in February 2019, the first female to represent Australia for more than 30 years.

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