Milan, Italy
Freshwater bonefish
May - Sep
Milan, Italy
Is this experience right for me?
Fishing challenge
Physical effort
Companion friendly
Technique
Nymph & streamer
Fish
Barbel
Environment
Low valley rivers
Fly fishing Barbel in Italy
Fly fishing for cyprinids, particularly barbel and carp, has recently gained popularity in Europe and immediately found a devoted following. These fish are extremely selective, well-suited to the warm, humid environments of valley floors. When fished by sight as they strike small nymphs, the takes are truly spectacular.
But the real excitement begins once they’re hooked. These are exceptionally strong fish, accustomed to low-oxygen waters, and they can put a serious strain on gear typically used for Caribbean bonefish.
The Po River basin hosts an incredible population of barbel and carp, with barbel specimens over 5 kg and carp exceeding 20 kg. These waters are still relatively untouched compared to the renowned spots in Extremadura, but they are poised to make a significant mark on the international scene in the coming years.
Rod Society has selected the best guides and locations to make this fishery an international reference point. Amidst the heat, calm waters, and golden scales, you’ll feel as if you’re in South America—just an hour away from Italy’s fashion capital.
Meeting point
Milan
Milan, the world capital of fashion and design, is a metropolis in Northern Italy and the capital of Lombardy. Home to the Italian Stock Exchange, it is also a financial hub. The Gothic-style Duomo and the Leonardo da Vinci's fresco "The Last Supper," testify to the city's artistic and cultural heritage.
Catches & tecnique for fly fishing barbel
Barbel and carp rank among Europe’s most powerful freshwater fish, celebrated for their sleek, muscular builds and impressive size. These fish, especially in Italy’s Po River basin, are rapidly gaining popularity among fly anglers drawn to their strength and selectiveness.
During the warmer months, when barbel and carp feed actively, our guides target them using nymphs. We recommend 9ft 6/8 WT rods, which offer the backbone needed to cast effectively in larger rivers and, more importantly, to handle the powerful runs these fish are known for.
The prime fishing season on the Po River for barbel and carp extends from May to September, as warm water conditions bring these fish into the shallows, creating perfect opportunities for sight fishing.
Includes
✅ Professional fly fishing guide
✅ All necessary fishing equipment (rod, flies, waders, boots and lines)
✅ Fishing license
✅ Refreshments and snacks
✅ Lunch & drinks
❌ Accomodation
❌ Flights / travel to reach the meeting point
❌ Anything not explicitly mentioned
FAQ
If you still need support you can contact us anytime!
From 600€
With explosive takes, golden scales, and fish exceeding 10 kg, this fly fishing experience blends the thrill of tropical species with the raw beauty of northern Italy’s lowlands.
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