From time to time we like to introduce you to some of the amanzing women in flyfishing today. Karlie Roland has had a passion for flyfishing her entire life. Growing up in a fishing family any vacation was centered on the water. She’s a fourth generation angler on the Henry’s Fork, and never takes that for granted. She started her flyfishing career at Fins and Feathers in Bozeman and then moved to Seattle to work for Emerald Water Anglers. During her two and a half years in Seattle she helped Emerald Water Anglers build an amazing women’s program that showcased Karlie’s desire to support and mentor others in flyfishing. Karlie helped to start classes, group meetings and hosted trips. Her fishy excursions were both in the region as well as to places like the Henry’s Fork and Christmas Island. Karlie’s fun, fishy personality welcomed many women to the group and her own following continued to grow.
It was one of these women’s trips that got her noticed on the Henry’s Fork by TroutHunter owner Rich Paini. Soon Karlie started guiding for TroutHunter and she spent the last four years guiding on this legendary river. As many of you know she is a very fishy guide who takes great care of her clients to make sure they have an exceptional day. During this time she met her fiancé Ryan Loftice and they married on the Henry’s Fork this summer. Although Karlie was happy guiding, the opportunity to become the Northern Rockies Sales Rep for Umpqua came before her. With a desire to push herself and support local fly shops, Karlie happily accepted this position. She now serves fly shops in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming and is there to support their needs and growth. “I am proud to work for a legendary company that has offered commercially tied flies for more than 50 years,” she said. Karlie started in April and has already taught fly tying in Bozeman at Chica De Maya, been at events in Denver and at the famous Silver Creek, Idaho opening weekend, the Missouri, the South Fork of the Snake with World Cast and doing some photoshoots along the way! Karlie is very excited about her new career, marriage to Ryan and all of the great things ahead. As in previous roles, the Umpqua position allows Karlie to continue to mentor and assist both anglers and fly shops every day.
Finatical Flyfishing will miss having Karlie guide on the annual Henry’s Fork trips but are watching to see all that Karlie will accomplish. Congratulations on your latest career move and your marriage to the amazing Ryan Loftice!