Ente Tutela Patrimonio Ittico del Friuli Venezia Giulia (ETPI).

The Ente Tutela Patrimonio Ittico del Friuli Venezia Giulia (ETPI) is the regional organization responsible for managing and protecting fish populations and fishing waters across Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), in northeastern Italy. In FVG the ETPI oversees most public waters at the regional level, including the Soča (Isonzo) basin, Tagliamento, and Danube headwaters (Slizza). Its work focuses on conserving native species such as the Marble Trout and Grayling, and maintaining a sustainable balance between wild and stocked fish populations.

Regulations.

Fishing is regulated by the Ente Tutela Patrimonio Ittico (ETPI) and divided into specific fishing regimes and zones.  the Regime Particolare Salmonidi (RPS) which means special salmonid regime, regime particolare trota allevata (TRA) which is a stocked trout regime, and the no kill regime. Each of these have their own rules but some general rules are:

•  daily or annual permit are required.
• One rod only may be used in salmonid waters.
• Single barbless hook (or with crushed barb) on one artificial lure or fly.
• Artificial baits only; all natural baits, pastes, and doughs are forbidden.

Fishing Seasons.

• Zone B (Salmonid / Alpine waters): from 07:00 on the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of September.
• In designated No Kill stretches, fishing remains open until 31 October.
• Grayling: closed 1 January – 31 May and from end of September – 31 December.
• Zone A (Lowland / Cyprinid waters): open all year.

Waters Managed by ETPI.

ETPI manages a wide range of waters across the region, from alpine headwaters flowing toward the Danube to large karst and lowland rivers draining to the Adriatic.
Below are the main salmonid waters in the Soča (Isonzo) and Danube basins, the focus of this page.

Soča (Isonzo) River basin.

• Isonzo (Soča) – The Italian continuation of Slovenia’s Soča, flowing from Gorizia toward the Adriatic. The upper section holds Marble Trout, Brown Trout, Grayling, and Rainbow Trout. The lower stretches near the sea are mainly cyprinid waters.
• Torre River – A fast, karstic tributary of the Isonzo, with mixed populations of Brown and Marble Trout in its upper reaches. Clear water and rocky substrate make it a technical fly-fishing river.
• Natisone River – Another tributary of the Isonzo, flowing near Cividale del Friuli. The upper course offers fishing for Brown Trout, Marble Trout, and Grayling, while the lower stretches are warmer and more mixed.

Danube River Basin (Headwaters).

Although most of FVG drains to the Adriatic, a small portion in the far north drains toward the Danube via the Gail (Slizza/Gailitz) system.

• Slizza (Gailitz) – A short alpine river flowing from Tarvisio northward into Austria, joining the Gail. It is one of the few Italian rivers within the Danube basin. The upper part supports Brown Trout and Grayling, and is designated for fly-fishing only under ETPI management.
• Slizza tributaries – the tributaries of the Slizza including headwaters above Lago del Predil can be fished making this region a beautiful palce to find brown trout in a remote location of italy. 

Tagliamento River Basin.

• Tagliamento River – The main river of Friuli Venezia Giulia and one of the last free-flowing alpine rivers in Europe. It rises near Forni di Sopra and flows south to the Adriatic. The upper and middle sections are classic alpine salmonid waters, holding Brown Trout, Grayling, and Marble trout. The river’s braided channels and clear water make it a prime location for technical fly-fishing.
• Fella River – A major alpine tributary joining the Tagliamento near Venzone. Its swift, cold waters are home to Brown Trout and Grayling, with access points near mountain villages and along the main valley road.
• Degano River – A steep, scenic tributary flowing through the Carnia region. Known for wild Brown Trout, it offers challenging fishing in a pristine alpine setting.
• But River – Another Carnic tributary joining the Tagliamento near Tolmezzo. It supports wild Brown Trout and Grayling, with a mix of accessible and remote stretches suited for experienced anglers.

Licenses.

Fishing in ETPI waters requires, A daily or annual ETPI permit.
Permits are available through, Authorized local offices and tourist information centers, selected fishing shops or online (only for italians).