What You Catch While Fly Fishing in the Dolomites

Fly fishing in the Dolomites isn’t just about mountain views and clear waters — it’s also about what lives beneath the surface. If you’re planning a fishing trip to this alpine region of northern Italy, you might be wondering: what can you actually catch while fly fishing in the Dolomites?

The answer depends on where you’re fishing, but generally, the Dolomites offer a mix of native and introduced cold-water species. Here’s an overview of the main fish you can expect to encounter — and a few surprises too.

1. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario)

The true native of these waters, brown trout are the most common and widespread species in the Dolomites. They’re found in nearly all mountain streams, especially at mid and high altitudes. In smaller, shaded creeks, you’ll often find smaller specimens that are aggressive and quick to rise. In bigger rivers like the Sarca, Avisio, or Piave, mature fish can reach over 40 cm — especially in protected catch & release sections.

Brown trout in the Dolomites tend to be well-adapted to the clear, fast-flowing alpine water. Dry fly fishing is particularly effective in summer, when insect activity is high.

2. Marble Trout (Salmo marmoratus)

A true gem of northern Italy, the marble trout is native to the Adriatic drainage and can be found in several Dolomite river systems — especially in Trentino and the Veneto region. It’s a striking fish with a long, muscular body and a unique marbled pattern that blends perfectly with rocky riverbeds.

Marble trout tend to live in the deeper, slower parts of large rivers, where they ambush prey from cover. These fish can grow surprisingly large — over 70 cm is not uncommon — but they are elusive and often targeted only by more experienced anglers. Many areas enforce strict no-kill rules to protect this iconic species.

3. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Although not native to Europe, rainbow trout have been widely introduced for sport fishing. Now rules are strict and they are not allowed anymore in many sections. Rainbows are known for their wilderness and strenght.

They’re typically smaller than marble trout but very active, especially on nymphs and dry flies in summer months.

4. Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Alpine Char (Salvelinus alpinus)

These cold-loving salmonids are more commonly found in high-altitude lakes and the colder headwaters of streams. Brook trout (originally from North America) and the native Alpine char are both beautifully colored and thrive in alpine lakes like Lago di Braies, Lago di Nambino, or smaller tarns in the Lagorai and Adamello ranges.

They often rise to small dry flies or terrestrials and are best targeted early in the morning or late afternoon during summer.

5. Grayling (Thymallus thymallus)

Graceful, elegant, and often underestimated, grayling are present in some Dolomite rivers — especially in the Adige, lower Sarca, Piave, and parts of the Rienza. They prefer clean water with a gravel bottom and slower current.

Fly anglers love them for their selective feeding habits and surface takes. Late summer and early autumn are prime time for grayling on dry flies.