Question 1

Do I need a fishing licence to fish the Mastallone?

Accepted Answer

Yes - you need two things: (1) an Italian government fishing licence (Type D temporary licence for foreigners, ~€13 for 3 months, payable at any Italian Post Office) and (2) a local SVPS daily or seasonal permit, available from tackle shops and bars in Varallo.

Question 2

How do I book the Egua or Sermenza mountain reserves?

Accepted Answer

Phone reservation is mandatory. Contact Roberto Calzoni (+39 349 7630685) for the Egua reserve or Adriano Fraternali (+39 349 5423927) for the Sermenza reserve. Book at least a few days in advance, especially in summer.

Question 3

What is the best time to fish the Mastallone?

Accepted Answer

May to September for the main river and tributaries. The high-altitude alpine lakes (Lago Nero, Tailly Lakes, Lago Camino) are only accessible in July and August. Late spring offers good insect hatches on the lower beats.

Question 4

How much does a Sermenza reserve permit cost?

Accepted Answer

Daily catch permit: €110 (8 fish) or €60 (5 fish). Daily no-kill permit: €50 (fly fishing with single barbless hooks only). Multi-day passes: 5-day catch permits for €500 (8 fish) or €270 (5 fish).

Question 5

What is the Alla Valsesiana technique?

Accepted Answer

A traditional fixed-line fly fishing method local to Valsesia, using a long rod without a reel. Multiple wet flies are drifted through mountain pools and pocket water. It predates modern fly fishing and is still practiced on the local streams and alpine lakes.

Question 6

What species can I catch?

Accepted Answer

Brown trout and rainbow trout on the main river and reserves. The alpine lakes also hold brook trout (Lago Nero del Rissuolo) and Arctic char (Tailly Lakes, Lago Camino). Marble trout are present in some lower sections.

Mastallone – Fly Fishing