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Fishing Regulations of Italy.

Freshwater fishing in Italy is regulated at both national and regional levels. While the national framework defines broad conservation principles, the actual management of rivers and lakes, including licensing, restocking, and enforcement is handled differently in every region. This regional diversity makes Italy one of Europe’s most complex yet interesting destinations for anglers. Understanding how management works in each area is essential before planning a trip.

National Framework & Regional Management.

The national Law n. 11/1992 on freshwater fishing and aquatic fauna protection provides the general foundation.
It sets basic principles for:

  • Conservation and protection of native fish species.
  • Restocking obligations and habitat maintenance.
  • Regulation of fishing methods and seasons.
  • Prevention of introductions and invasive species.

However, each region (and in some cases each province) is responsible for its own implementation and enforcement through a Regolamento di Pesca Regionale.
This means that no single set of rules applies to all of Italy.

Management Structures Differ by Region.

Across Italy, three main management systems exist — often side by side:

Public or Provincial Management

  • The regional or provincial fisheries authority directly manages all fishing waters.
  • Example: Regione Lombardia or Provincia Autonoma di Trento, where official staff oversee permits, stocking, and surveillance.

Federated Management

  • A regional entity such as ETPI (Ente Tutela Patrimonio Ittico) or FIPSAS (Italian Sport Fishing Federation) manages most waters on behalf of the region.
  • They issue permits, coordinate stocking, and monitor fish populations.

Local Club Management

  • Fishing rights and daily management are assigned to local angling clubs (Associazioni Dilettantistiche di Pesca).
  • Clubs manage individual rivers or sections, often with their own permit system, rules, and conservation programs.
  • Common in regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, and Veneto.

In practice, this means that fishing in Italy is organized differently in every region — from highly structured provincial systems to small local associations managing specific trout streams.

Restocking & Conservation Obligations.

Regional or local managers are responsible for maintaining fish populations and ensuring ecological sustainability. Efforts include:

  • Use of native, locally adapted strains (e.g., marble trout in the Po basin, Mediterranean trout in central Italy).
  • Operation of provincial hatcheries and restocking centers (such as the Centro Ittiogenico di Curno in Lombardy).
  • Creation of catch-and-release zones and no-kill areas to protect endangered species.
  • Continuous scientific monitoring and tagging programs coordinated with universities and research institutes.

This decentralized but active approach has helped preserve many unique Italian trout lineages, though results vary between regions.

Licensing.

Fishing in inland waters requires two types of authorization:

National License. (Tassa di Concessione Governativa)

  • A government fishing tax paid annually, valid across all Italian regions.

Regional or Local License. (Licenza o Permesso Regionale)

  • Issued by regional authorities or local associations.
  • Required even if the national license has been paid.
  • Daily or seasonal permits are often sold online, through tourist offices, or directly from local clubs.

Foreign anglers must also hold both documents. Some autonomous regions (Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Aosta Valley) offer simplified tourist permits available online or at tackle shops.

Local regulations.

Rules differ depending on who manages the water. Always check regional and local regulations before fishing.

Regione Lombardia (Province of Sondrio).

  • Fishing season for trout: last Sunday of February – end of September.
  • Barbless hooks in catch-and-release zones.
  • Special conditions for Alpine lakes such as Lago di Livigno.

Friuli Venezia Giulia.

  • Managed by ETPI and local clubs.
  • Salmonid waters divided into Zona A (Public Waters) and Zona B (Special Salmonid Regime).
  • Fly fishing only in salmonid zones; barbless hooks mandatory.

Trentino-Alto Adige.

  • Managed mainly by local angling associations.
  • Distinct regulations for Adige, Noce, and Sarca catchments.
  • Strict protection measures for Salmo marmoratus and grayling.