The guides
We believe the best ideas come when you’re on the river.
After guiding for the man near, far and everywhere in between, co-founders Rand Harcz and Matt Barnes came together to create a guide service dedicated to promoting the diverse fishing opportunities found in the southeast.
Having been forged in the same fire, Rand and Matt share a deep appreciation for the fish that roam our waters and look forward to sharing that knowledge with our guests.
As a small guide owned and operated fishing outfit, Asheville on the Fly has a team of some of the fishiest and friendliest guides around. We take great pride in offering high quality fishing trips on the rivers of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
Let’s go fishing, we’ll save a seat for you.
Mitch Wisniewski
FLOAT GUIDE
Born to fish, made to fish, and will probably die fishing. Mitch, aka Wiz, has spent some time on the water. Fishing isn’t just a pastime for Wiz, it’s a way of life. Whether he’s chasing after trout on the Tennessee tailwaters or navigating jet boats in pursuit of striper, his enthusiasm knows no bounds. In his boat, the foremost rule is to have fun. Wiz believes that every excursion should be an adventure, filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Gear up, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an extraordinary day on the water. Beyond his domestic escapades, Mitch’s passion extends to the wild landscapes of Alaska, where he proudly owns the world renowned Unalakleet River Lodge. Here amidst the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier, he shares his love for fishing with fellow enthusiasts, creating experiences that resonate for a lifetime.
DAVE ALEXANDER
FLOAT AND WADE Guide
Dave is an Asheville native and a third generation trout angler. He grew up fishing, backpacking, skiing, and mountain biking in the area and never saw a reason to leave. It’s safe to say that he is obsessed with the endless fishing opportunities in the southeast. Dave works as a sales rep in the outdoor industry where he gets some incredible opportunities to travel and fish all over the country. Whether it is sneaking in a day of winter steelheading on the Deschutes or chasing tarpon in the Florida Keys, Dave always seems to find a way to get on the water. His fishy travels have served him well but his first love will always be the cool, crisp trout waters of western North Carolina and east Tennessee. Dave’s off days are spent out in the woods, usually on the river with his family and two German Shepards.
Parker Gondella
float AND wade guide
Whether it’s Alaskan salmon and grayling, Caribbean tarpon, or native Appalachian brook trout, Parker has a passion for pursuing wild fish in wild places. After spending the last several years guiding in Montana and Alaska, Parker decided to make western North Carolina his homebase. Although he recently relocated, Parker is no stranger to our areas rivers and creeks. While Parker loves all the fishing opportunities the region has to offer, his favorite pastime is exploring new water in search of wild brown trout. Parker believes that the best part of fishing is just being able to spend time on the water. His favorite part about guiding is getting to share the river with his guests and giving them a glimpse into the inner-workings of the river. Whether you are a first timer or seasoned angler, you are sure to have a great day of fishing with Parker.
Matt Barnes
FLOAT AND WADE Guide
Born and raised in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Matt’s life in fishing has taken him far and wide. He began guiding on the wild trout streams of the southern Smokies before his obsession led him west where he worked on the freestone rivers and tail waters of southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico. These days, Matt resides in the mountains of Asheville, NC completely content with the endless fishing opportunities that southern Appalachia offers. In the summer season, Matt travels north to Alaska guiding salmon fishing at the world famous Unalakleet River Lodge. Prior to guiding, Matt served in the Army and as a combat veteran, Matt recognizes the therapeutic value of nature and can personally attest to the healing power that comes from spending a day on the water chasing flies to fish. When not guiding, Matt is likely still on the water, chasing trout, bass or musky and often accompanied by his loyal boat dog, Davey.
Rand Harcz
FLOAT AND Wade Guide
Rand Harcz is a North Carolina native who has spent his entire adult life in mountains of western NC. Rand attended college at Appalachian State University and proceeded to move to Asheville after graduating. Rand spends his free time exploring the vast waters of North Carolina and Tennessee in search of new fishing waters. Rand has spent many of days guiding clients on drift boats, rafts, and foot whether it is for trout or native smallmouth bass. Fishing is more than a passion for Rand, it is a way of life. He truly loves what he does and passing on his knowledge of the fishery to all who share his boat.