Meet Our Mt. Yonder Guides: Expert Instruction in SC & WNC

Professional Guides. Local Roots. Unforgettable Adventures.

Mt. Yonder Fly Fishing is proudly based in Walhalla, SC. Our team specializes in world-class angling experiences across the legendary waters of South Carolina and the high-country streams of Western North Carolina. Whether you are a first-time beginner or a seasoned angler, our mission is to make fly fishing fun, approachable, and perfectly tailored to your goals.

Matthew Carter – Lead Guide & Co-Owner

As a former Orvis fishing manager, raconteur, and photographer, Matthew brings a unique blend of technical expertise and storytelling to every trip. He is the lead guide for Mt. Yonder, driven by a genuine excitement for the sport and a passion for teaching others how to master the water. Matthew is also the North American Rep for Rambler Angler and Blade Co., a fly tying vise, scissor and tool manufacturer based in South Carolina. 

• Specialties: Float and Wade Trout & Smallmouth Bass. He chases anything that swims. Easily excited by all fish! EPIC Lunches.

• Expertise: Beginner-to-Advanced casting instruction and streamside photography.

• Vibe: Expert guidance delivered with a heavy dose of enthusiasm and humor.

• Home Base: Matthew lives in Walhalla with his wife Carla, their kids Scout and Charlie, and their Australian Shepherd, Remy.

Carla Carter – Co-Owner & Brand Creative

Carla is the heartbeat of the Mt. Yonder community. While she stays behind the scenes handling marketing, design, and events, her influence is felt in every detail of the Mt. Yonder experience. She ensures our mission stays front and center: making everyone feel welcome in the world of fly fishing.

• The Mt. Yonder Vibe: Carla ensures every trip and event is professional, welcoming, and high-energy.

• Interests: A true taco connoisseur with a deep love for 80s classics like The A-Team and Dukes of Hazzard.

• Community: When she isn’t managing operations, she is a welcoming presence for the Mt. Yonder family.

Caleb Simmons – High-Elevation Specialist

With over 12 years of fly fishing experience, Caleb is our resident expert for high-country adventures. He specializes in the technical "chess match" of chasing native Brook Trout in the small, pristine creeks of Western North Carolina.

• Specialty: High-Elevation Blue Lining & Native Brook Trout.

• Best For: Anglers looking to catch their first fish on a fly or those wanting to explore the familiar and "off the beaten path" waters in Western NC. 

• Authority: Caleb is a co-host of the Dads On The Fly podcast, sharing his passion for the sport and family life on the water.

Joshua Simmons – Technical Stream Specialist

Joshua honed his skills on the technical "blue lines" of North Carolina, where precision and patience are key. Known for his calm, friendly demeanor, he excels at creating a welcoming, ego-free environment for every client he leads.

• Expertise: Precision casting and small-stream tactics.

• Vibe: Patient, encouraging coach, and focused on the joy of the catch.

• Authority: Like Caleb, Joshua co-hosts the Dads On The Fly podcast, bringing a storyteller’s heart to every guided adventure.

Scott Keener – Redeye Bass & Native Fish Expert

Based in Columbia, SC, Scott is the ultimate resource for anglers looking for a unique Southern challenge. As an obsessed "Redeye Junkie," he specializes in warm water adventures and is your go-to guide for completing the South Carolina Bass Slam on fly gear.

• Specialty: Redeye Bass & Native Fish Conservation. But the Stripers and Smallmouth in Columbia pull really dang hard and he'd love to put you on those, too. His shore lunches are epic, too. 

• Extra Curricular: Chair of the South Carolina chapter of the Native Fish Coalition.

• Best For: Anglers looking to target rare native species and explore the diverse waters of central South Carolina.
  

  ---

  Taylor LeBlanc – Big Bass & Apex Predator Specialist

  

  Based in the foothills of the South Carolina mountains, Taylor is our go-to expert for anglers chasing the "heavy hitters" of the Southeast. From trophy-sized, trout-fed Largemouth to the elusive Musky, Taylor’s knowledge of local rivers and lakes is unmatched.

• Specialties: Trophy Largemouth Bass, Musky, Striped Bass, and Smallmouth.
  
  
• Conservation Leadership: Taylor has served as the VP for the Greenville Trout Unlimited chapter and Secretary for the Native Fish Coalition (SC Chapter).
  
  
• The "Big Fish" Promise: If you want a shot at the biggest Largemouth of your life—on either conventional or fly tackle—Taylor is your guide.
  
  
• Vibe: Strategic, conservation-minded, and relentless in the pursuit of apex predators.
  
  
• Home Base: Greenville, SC