New Vision for Fly Fishing in the Southeast
Interview By Patrick Hunter
Fly fishing is more than just a sport—it’s an art, a science, and for many, a way of life. For Matt Carter and Scott Keener, founders and guides behind Mt. Yonder Fly Fishing, it’s also a calling. Based out of Greenville, South Carolina, Mt. Yonder offers guided fly fishing experiences across Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina. Their mission? To make fly fishing approachable, educational, and most importantly, fun. Founded on October 1, 2023, Mt. Yonder is a young company with deep roots. Matt and Scott are not only passionate anglers but also dedicated educators, striving to build a stronger and more inclusive fly fishing community. I had the pleasure of sitting down with them to discuss their journey, their approach to guiding, and their vision for the future of fly fishing in the Southeast.Creating a New Fly Fishing Community
Mt. Yonder isn’t just about guiding trips—it’s about cultivating a culture of learning and respect for the water. The team specializes in targeting trout, striped bass, and black bass such as largemouth, smallmouth, and redeye. They offer guided trips in key fishing destinations like Johnson City, Boone, Canton, Spartanburg, Columbia, and their home base, Greenville. One thing that sets them apart is their emphasis on beginners. “We want to create an environment where new anglers feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn,” says Matt. “Fly fishing can be intimidating, and we’re here to change that.” Their approach includes Fly Fishing 101 classes, both on and off the water, with future plans to expand educational offerings beyond guided trips. “We’re not just teaching people how to fish,” Scott adds, “we’re teaching them why it matters.”
The Journey to Mt. Yonder
Both Matt and Scott took different paths to fly fishing, but their passion led them to the same destination.
Matt’s love for fishing began early. “I was born with a rod in my hand,” he jokes. Growing up, he spent hours fishing ponds for largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie with a classic Eagle Claw setup. Moving to Greenville in eighth grade introduced him to striper fishing, but it wasn’t until a decade ago that he truly immersed himself in fly fishing.
“About ten years ago, I realized I wasn’t living the life I loved,” he reflects. He transitioned from a career in commercial photography to working at Orvis Greenville as a fishing manager. “That’s when I really saw the need for a guiding service that focused on education, patience, and community.” Leaving Orvis, he set out to create something different—something that would become Mt. Yonder.
Scott’s story is equally compelling. Growing up in the foothills of North Georgia, he always admired fly anglers, but it wasn’t until his time as an EMT that he got serious about the sport. “During EMT school, my uncle handed me an old Daiwa fly rod and taught me how to roll cast in a parking lot,” he laughs. That moment ignited a passion that would lead him from warm-water fishing in King’s Mountain State Park to a deep love for black bass.
After relocating to Columbia just before the pandemic, Scott spent his time exploring the rivers and creeks of the Southeast. It was there that he discovered the Redeye bass and developed an obsession with glass rods. His perspective on fly fishing expanded. Matt met Scott through his volunteer work with the Native Fish Coalition. The two quickly realized they shared the same vision for a guiding service—one built on camaraderie, education, and a love for warm water fish and the wild places they live.
A Different Flavor of Fly Fishing
Mt. Yonder prides itself on offering a “different flavor” of fly fishing. “We’re not just about trout,” Matt explains. “Sure, we love trout fishing, but the Southeast has so much more to offer—stripers, smallmouth, black bass slams. We want to open anglers’ eyes to the incredible diversity of fishing opportunities here.”
That philosophy extends beyond the water. The Mt. Yonder team is actively working to grow the fly fishing community through unconventional means. “We want to meet people where they are,” Scott says. “That means hosting events at bars and coffee shops, engaging with local communities, and making fly fishing more accessible.”
The Future of Mt. Yonder
Looking ahead, Matt and Scott have big plans for Mt. Yonder. In addition to expanding their educational programs, they hope to foster a stronger conservation ethic among anglers. “If you love the water, you have a responsibility to protect it,” Matt states. “We want to instill that mindset in every client we take out.”
For these two passionate guides, Mt. Yonder is more than a business—it’s a movement. By focusing on education, inclusivity, and respect for the sport of fly fishing, they’re redefining what it means to be a fly fishing guide service in the Southeast.
So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, Mt. Yonder is ready to take you beyond the cast and into the heart of what makes fly fishing truly special.
For more information on Mt. Yonder Fly Fishing, visit mtyonder.com.
