Milan, Italy
Predators of the Po
All year
Milan, Italy
Is this experience right for me?
Fishing challenge
Physical effort
Non-angler friendly
Technique
Streamer
Fish
Wels Catfish
Environment
Low valley rivers
Fly fishing Po river in Italy
The Po is not the Italy most anglers picture when they think of fly fishing here. There are no mountain riffles and no gin-clear pools, just a wide, slow river pushing through the flat farmland of the Bassa, lined with poplars, sandbars and old farmhouses that have watched the water rise and fall for centuries. It is a big, quiet landscape, and it holds two of the most demanding predators you can chase with a fly rod in Europe, one for the warm months and one for the cold.
From October to March, with winter as the heart of the season, the river belongs to the asp. These are fast, wary predators that sit in ambush along the bank, waiting for baitfish to pass, and the way to reach them is from the boat, drifting parallel to the shore and casting a team of streamers tight under the bank where the fish hold. A small asp here runs around 40 cm, and the fish of a lifetime approach 80 cm. It is precise, rewarding fishing at a time of year when most Italian trout water is closed, and it makes the Po one of the few places in the country where a winter day on the water is worth planning a trip around.
In summer the focus shifts to the wels catfish, the largest freshwater fish in Europe. The best chances on the fly come when the river is rising and colouring after a flood, which is exactly when most anglers would stay home, and since floods cannot be scheduled, honesty matters here: wels fishing is a game of patience rather than numbers, and a day can pass with a single take or none at all. The one take you do get, though, tends to stay with you for the rest of your life. In spring and autumn the boat carries both setups, and the guide decides between asp and wels depending on where the fish are hunting that day.
The day runs at the river’s pace, with lunch on the bank between morning and afternoon sessions. A full day on the Po is long and fairly exposed, so a partner who doesn’t fish will usually be happier staying in Milan, with its museums, its design districts and one of the best restaurant scenes in Italy within walking distance of the hotel.
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.
Technique for fly fishing Wels and Asp in Italy
Target species are the asp (Leuciscus aspius), fished from October to March with winter as the peak, and the wels catfish (Silurus glanis), best in summer and especially on rising, coloured water after a flood. In spring and autumn both species are possible on the same day. Both are non-native to the Po and have become established predators in the river.
All fishing is done from the boat. For asp, the technique is to drift along the bank and cast a team of streamers close to the shore, retrieving through the water where the fish lie in ambush. Accuracy and distance matter here, since the fish hold tight to cover and a cast a metre short often goes unnoticed. For wels, guides fish heavier rods and large streamers that match the size of the prey fish in the river. Casting big flies all day is tiring, and the fights are long and physical, so solid casting skills and a reasonable level of fitness make a real difference.
All gear is provided:
Asp: 9 ft rods, 8 weight, intermediate or sink tip lines, baitfish streamers
Wels: 9 ft rods, 10 to 12 weight, sinking or intermediate lines, large streamers
Includes
✅ Professional fly fishing guide
✅ All necessary fishing equipment (rod, flies, waders, boots and lines)
✅ Fishing license
✅ Refreshments and snacks
✅ Lunch & drinks
➕ Accommodation (on request, we arrange it for you)
❌ Flights / travel to reach the meeting point
❌ Anything not explicitly mentioned
FAQ
Are fishing licences included in the price?
Yes. We handle the purchase for you. You show up, pick up your rod, and fish. If you're planning extra days on the water independently before or after your guided experience, we're happy to help you navigate the process for those too.
Is this itinerary available as a half-day experience?
No, full-day only.
This itinerary is available exclusively on a full-day basis due to the time required to reach the fishing areas and the nature of the experience. A half-day option would limit both fishing time and overall quality.
Is this experience private or group-based?
This Rod Society experience is strictly private and we don't do mixed groups. Your itinerary is fully crafted around your specific group and skill level. Whether you are traveling solo or with a large group, you will have dedicated private guides to ensure a seamless, high-touch experience.
What equipment should I bring?
For fishing in the Po River, it's best to use rods that are 9 feet long and suitable for 10-12 weight sinking lines, tailored to the river's conditions and the types of fish targeted. If you don’t have your own gear, don't worry—our guide can provide you with everything necessary, including rods, reels, lines, waders, boots, flies, and more.
It’s still important to dress appropriately for the outdoors, with waterproof gear, layers for changing temperatures, and UV protection. While we offer high-quality equipment, you are welcome to bring your own preferred gear if you wish.
Why should I book here?
We craft itineraries with trusted local guides to ensure an exceptional experience with top professionals who know the waters inside out. We always include fishing licenses, so you don’t have to deal with any local bureaucracy or paperwork. We also provide top-notch equipment: rods, waders, and flies. We travel a lot too, and we know that sometimes you simply can’t carry five rods, boots, waders and bulky gear with you.
We’ve got your back.
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.
Which airport is the nearest?
The nearest major city with airport facilities to Po River is Milan, which is served by three main airports: Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Linate Airport, and Milan Bergamo Airport. All three offer extensive domestic and international flights.
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.
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 600€
Hunt wels catfish and asp on the fly in the Po river, near Milan: a guided day after one of Europe's largest freshwater predators.
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