Fishing in the Birthplace of Italian Fly Fishing
Val di Mastallone is in the Italian Piedmont region, at the foot of the Alps and Monte Rosa. It’s a beautiful area, famous among fly fishermen as a paradise of small crystalline rivers populated by an incredible density of trout, including the famous marble trout. Anglers will find a glorious mix of rivers and lakes to test their skills while non-fishers will find plenty of activities to enjoy.
Great Variety of Rivers
The Valsesia region is a group of beautiful river valleys in the northwest of Italy and is considered the cradle of Italian fly fishing. It is the home of Valsesian fly fishing, a early form of fly fishing that can be likened to English wet fly and the Japanese tenkara styles. Some still practice these methods here today but the incredible variety of water, from small alpine streams to large glacial rivers, provides great fishing for all fly fishermen.
From one base in the spectacular Val di Mastallone, anglers can explore miles of beautiful rivers on a variety of private stretches including the Mastallone, the main Sesia, Carcoforo and many other smaller tributaries. Each section is utterly unique and provides everything from tumbling mountain streams with dry fly hungry brown trout, to larger sections of river with good dry fly pools, nymphing sections and places to tempt large marble trout from the shadows with nymphs and streamers.
Through the season anglers can enjoy great insect life with notable hatches of insects beginning in March. One of the key hatches is the impressive showings of large stonefly in May and June each season.
The guide team is hugely knowledgeable and can tailor the day to suit each angler and the conditions at hand. They speak good English and are always happy to advise on equipment and flies as well as the local fauna and flora.
Wonderful Riverside Location and Great Italian Cuisine
Fly fishing trips to Val di Mastallone are based at the wonderfully located Piano delle Fate cabins and restaurant, overlooking one of the best stretches. Anglers are housed in four well-appointed cabins each featuring two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and central living room.
Meals are served in the main restaurant area, with a focus on excellent local produce and regional dishes, washed down with the extensive drink selection behind the bar and rounded off with a shot of Italian espresso.
One of Italy’s prettiest regions
The atmosphere in these pretty valleys is as though time has stopped. Characterised by charming Alpine villages, vineyards, and castles – and off the beaten path of mass tourism – it has something of a fairy-tale feel. Within easy reach of Milan and Turin there is plenty of opportunity to combine fishing with art and culture.