Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany Reservoirs
Oct - Mar
Tuscany, Italy
Is this experience right for me?
Fishing challenge
Physical effort
Non-angler friendly
Technique
Streamer, nymph & dry
Fish
Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Carp
Environment
Reservoir
When the rivers close, the reservoirs come alive
When the trout season closes on Italy's rivers for the winter, most anglers put their rods away and start counting the weeks until spring, but in the Tuscan Apennines there is a better option: a set of managed reservoirs around Bagno di Romagna that stay open from October through March, stocked with rainbow trout and holding brown trout and carp, and quiet enough on a weekday morning that the only sounds are your line on the water and the occasional ring of a rising fish. Every fish goes back, and the whole experience is fly fishing at its most relaxed and accessible, an outing that fits comfortably into half a day without asking you to give up the rest of your trip.
You can fish from the bank or float out in a belly boat, which puts you within casting distance of water that shore anglers never reach and turns out to be surprisingly comfortable once you have tried it. Your guide reads the conditions of the day and adapts accordingly, with streamers stripped along the drop-offs when fish are feeding deep, a slow-sinking nymph when they are holding in mid-water, and dry flies when the afternoon warms and the fish start looking up. These are not wild fish in a remote valley, and we would never pretend otherwise, but they are strong, they fight hard, and they make the reservoirs an ideal place to learn, to sharpen your stillwater technique, or simply to spend a few hours with a bent rod.
That combination makes this one of the best introductions to fly fishing we offer. First-timers learn to cast over open water with no trees or bushes behind them, experienced anglers can work on the finer points of reading stillwater and choosing the right line, and the format adapts easily to families, groups of friends and company retreats, where a morning on the water followed by a long lunch does far more for a team than another afternoon in a meeting room.
And lunch is very much part of the plan. The day ends at a table by the water with a rustic grill or traditional Tuscan dishes, the simple and generous kind of food that turns a few hours of fishing into an occasion. Partners who don't fish are welcome to join for the meal, and since Bagno di Romagna has been a spa town since Roman times, they may well prefer to spend the morning in its thermal pools while you deal with the cold.
Meeting point
Bagno di Romagna
For more than five centuries this small Apennine town was governed from Florence, and it still wears that history openly, with Medici coats of arms on its palazzo and thermal waters the Romans were already bathing in. Today it is one of Italy's most beautiful villages and a relaxed gateway to the reservoirs, with spa hotels for anyone in the group who prefers warm water to cold mornings.
Catches & Technique
Target species
The main quarry is rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which feed actively through the cooler months and make up most of the catch. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) are also present and tend to be warier, rewarding a slower presentation. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) add a very different challenge, but they are far less active in cold water, so expect them mainly at the edges of the season, in early October or on mild days in March, with trout as the real focus through the heart of winter.
Techniques
Stillwater fishing is about finding the depth the fish are holding at, and the guide will help you switch approach as the day changes. Streamers retrieved on an intermediate or sinking line are often the most effective method on cold mornings, covering water and triggering reaction strikes from fish holding near the bottom or along drop-offs. Nymphs fished slowly under the surface, or suspended under an indicator, work well when fish are cruising but reluctant to chase. On milder days, especially in the afternoon, trout will come to the surface, and that is the moment for small dry flies and a delicate presentation. The belly boat opens up the whole reservoir for those who want it, while fishing from shore is equally productive and the easier choice for complete beginners. All fishing is catch and release.
Expect honest stillwater fishing: on bright, cold days the fish can switch off for long stretches, and patience and changing flies are part of the game.
Recommended gear
Trout from shore or belly boat: 9 ft rod, 5 or 6 weight
Lines: floating line for dries and indicator nymphing, intermediate or sink-tip line for streamers
Carp (early and late season): 9 ft rod, 7 or 8 weight, with a stronger tippet
Bring waterproof layers, a warm hat and gloves for winter mornings
All rods, lines, flies and belly boat equipment are provided.
Seasonality
October to March, exactly when Italy's rivers are closed to trout fishing. Trout fish consistently throughout the season; carp are an occasional bonus at the start and end.
Includes
✅ Professional guide for half or full day
✅ Fly fishing equipment and belly boat
✅ Fishing permits
✅ Lunch by the water (rustic grill or traditional Tuscan dishes, full-day trips only)
➕ Accommodation (on request, we arrange it for you)
❌ Flights / travel to reach the meeting point
❌ Anything not explicitly mentioned
FAQ
Do you keep the fish?
No. All fishing on this itinerary is catch and release.
Is this half day or full day?
Both are available. Half day covers a morning on the water, lunch not included; a full day includes lunch by the water and leaves more time to try different techniques and lines.
Can my non-fishing partner join?
Absolutely. Partners are welcome at lunch, and Bagno di Romagna's thermal spas make for a very pleasant alternative morning.
Is equipment included?
Yes. Rods, lines, flies, belly boat equipment and fishing permits are all included. Just bring warm, waterproof clothing.
Do I need fly fishing experience?
No. This is one of our most beginner-friendly outings: open water makes casting easy to learn, and the guide will teach you everything you need on the day.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair and flexible. If you add Flex Cancellation at checkout, you can cancel your reservation up to 14 days in advance and receive a full refund of your deposit. If your plans change but you’d still like to fish with us, you can also reschedule and book another experience. This gives you the confidence to plan your trip knowing you have the flexibility you need.
Can I join with a group or for a company event?
Yes. The format works well for groups of any size, families and corporate retreats. Get in touch and we will tailor the day to your group.
Do your guides speak English and other languages?
Yes, all our guides are locals and are trained to communicate effectively with an international audience. They are fluent in English and the local language, and many of them speak additional languages to ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
Is the belly boat safe? Do I have to use it?
Belly boat fishing is optional and always done with a life vest and under the guide's supervision. You can spend the whole session fishing from shore if you prefer.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable for fishing?
If our guides determine that the weather or water conditions are unsuitable for fishing, you will receive a full refund. Alternatively, we can reschedule your trip for the soonest available date that works for you.
If you still need support you can contact us anytime!
From 250€
Winter reservoir fly fishing in Tuscany for rainbow and brown trout, catch and release, with lunch by the water. Great for beginners and groups.
Where next?
Explore other destinations
