Grayling fishing guide 

Grayling in Trentino: where to find it

Grayling inhabits the larger watercourses with strong currents and gravelly or pebbly substrates, where the water is well-oxygenated and temperatures remain below 18–20°C.  

This fish has a gregarious nature: schools slowly swim upstream in search of food, occasionally drifting back downstream. Its diet consists of benthic invertebrates (primarily insects and crustaceans) and winged insects that land on the water’s surface. 

With the help of our Trentino Fishing Guides – experienced anglers and experts in the region’s diverse fishing areas – we’ve prepared this brief guide. You can book a day of fishing with them for a tailored experience. Our guides are multilingual and skilled in all fishing techniques, including fly fishing, spinning, and boat fishing. Throughout the day, they will lead you to the best fishing spots, recommend areas that suit your needs, and provide valuable information about the region, permits, fish species, techniques, and equipment. 

But let’s get back to our grayling! Here are the top fishing spots, organized by zones: 

• Grayling fishing in Val del Chiese
• Grayling fishing in Val di Non
• Grayling fishing in Vallagarina
• Grayling fishing in Piana Rotaliana 

Temolo sul Chiese

Grayling fishing in Val del Chiese

The Chiese River originates in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, flowing from the Adamello range through Val di Fumo, Val Daone, and Valle del Chiese, before emptying into Lake Idro. The NK4 zone, located at the highest altitude, offers prime conditions for grayling fishing, while the other three zones – NK2, BT, and NK1 – are situated in the lower reaches of the river concession. The waters here are generally shallow and crystal clear, featuring alternating stretches of swift currents and calm, flat sections.

Fishing spot on the Chiese River

The fishing spots along the Chiese River are easily accessible, making them suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The NK4 Nudole zone features a natural pond connected to the river’s torrent sections, while the NK2, BT, and NK1 zones form a valley-floor river with varying depths and current speeds.

Some tips

For these waters, both nymph fishing and dry fly fishing are effective techniques. Nymph fishing, look for grayling along riffles or in faster currents. Dry fly fishing, cast in faster, choppy waters or target rising fish in slower sections. Essential fly patterns for grayling include sedge imitations, winged ants, mayflies, and emergers – don’t leave your fly box without them!

Fishing permits

Fishing permits can be purchased in paper format from outlets listed on the Associazione Pescatori Alto Chiese and Visit Chiese websites, or online at trentinofishing.it. Digital permits are also available via the Hooking app.

Fishing regulations and best seasons

In the NK1 and NK2 zones, fishing is exclusively fly fishing, while spinning is also permitted in the BT and NK4 zones. The NK1, BT, and NK2 zones open on the last Sunday of February. The NK4 zone opens later, between May and June, depending on snowmelt conditions, with exact dates announced by the association. All zones typically close at the end of October.

Temolo in Val di Non

Grayling fishing in Val di Non

The section of the Noce River flowing through Val di Non is a prime destination for anglers. This is a classic "tailwater," originating from the dam release at Lake Santa Giustina – the largest artificial reservoir in Trentino. Thanks to this, the river’s flow n this stretch is not significantly impacted by spring snowmelt or, except in rare cases, summer thunderstorms. For long stretches, the Noce carves through deep and dramatic gorges, creating wild and captivating landscapes that enhance the fishing experience.

Fishing spots on the Noce River

In Val di Non, progressive fishing regulations have encouraged the exclusive use of artificial bait techniques while restricting or eliminating the harvesting of salmonids. The establishment of extensive no-take or limited-take zones has resulted in thriving populations of wild trout, ensuring an exceptional fishing experience. Among the most grayling-rich spots on the Noce River are the renowned HZT Trophy Zone and the adjacent NKB1 No-Kill Zone.

Some tips

Tackling a river like the Noce in Val di Non offers even the most experienced anglers a chance to test their skills. While targeting grayling, it’s not uncommon to hook trout, which remain the dominant species in this river. With careful attention and stealth, especially when fly fishing with nymphs that imitate caddisflies, you might be lucky enough to land a sizable grayling in the stretches where this magnificent species thrives.  

We recommend using waders, a hat, a rain jacket, and a thermal water bottle to stay hydrated, as navigating the long stretches of river often involves strenuous and lengthy treks back to your vehicle. During the long summer days, we recommend skipping the midday hours and focusing on fishing in the early morning or, even better, during the evening coup de soir.

Fishing permits

Fishing permits can be purchased online via the trentinofishing website or through specific apps. These permits can be displayed on your smartphone for inspection by authorized personnel. 

Fishing regulations and best seasons

Fishing in the Val di Non along the Noce River is possible from dry land in certain sections (please check the regulations of the local fishing association carefully) as early as the first Sunday in February. However, we recommend starting in March to respect the natural breeding cycle of salmonids.  

Particular attention should be paid to the breeding cycle of the grayling, which spawns between April and May. During this delicate period, it is essential to avoid disturbing the fish. In almost all sections of the Noce River, the use of natural bait is strictly prohibited.

Some of the most sought-after fishing spots, especially for fly fishermen, open in early June. Throughout the entire fishing concession in Val di Non, the release of grayling and marble trout is mandatory, and barbed hooks are not allowed.

Temolo in Vallagarina

Grayling fishing in Vallagarina 

The Vallagarina stretch of the river is characterised by a valley-bottom environment with a steady and substantial water flow throughout the year. From late August, as the freezing level rises, there is no more glacial meltwater, and summer storms become less frequent, making the river clear and ideal for grayling fishing.  
 
Grayling can be targeted using nymph fishing techniques in deep waters (over a metre in some places) or in the frequent shallow riffles, where the water forms small, continuous ripples—what fly fishers call "laughing water." These gentle ripples indicate a riverbed composed of small pebbles, the preferred habitat of grayling. Keen observers may even notice subtle rises among these ripples, revealing the presence of feeding fish. 

Fishing spot on the river Adige

The A Zone, located upstream from the Mori dam, has the highest water flow, with the best fishing spot being the urban stretch flowing through Rovereto. The B Zone, between the Mori and Ala dams, is an excellent section with a generally lower water flow. This is where grayling is most abundant and slightly easier to catch. Here, it is more common to see grayling rising to the surface, possibly due to the more stable water flow. 
 
The C Zone, below the Ala dam, has a stronger current with significant fluctuations throughout the day due to the sluices. However, it offers a stunning natural environment, featuring a continuous sequence of riffles, deep pools, and glides that challenge anglers using both dry fly and nymph techniques. The NKC Zone, located south of Borghetto on the left bank, is another particularly interesting and well-stocked fishing spot.

Fishing tip

Grayling can be targeted using both dry fly and nymph techniques across all sections. Nymph fishing is often more effective due to the strong current, which makes it difficult to entice grayling to rise to the surface. In riffles, where rising fish are spotted, it is possible to catch multiple grayling at once, as they tend to school together. In "laughing water" (the characteristic rippled surface where grayling often feed), it takes patience to get them to rise, but once the right fly pattern is found, the results can be rewarding. 

Small sedge flies, grey or brown mayfly imitations, and sometimes even slightly more colourful reddish patterns can work well— always in small sizes. For nymph fishing, Red Tag patterns and tungsten-bead nymphs with a pink bead are particularly effective. Be careful not to let the nymphs drag unnaturally in the current! 

Fishing permits

Permits can be purchased at selected local bars, via the website trentinofishing, or through the Hooking app for a convenient online option.

Fishing regulations

All fishing techniques are permitted in most sections, except in the No Kill area of Borghetto, where only dry fly and nymph fishing are allowed. From February to the end of September, all techniques are permitted.However, throughout October, only dry fly and nymph fishing are allowed.

Temolo in Piana Rotaliana

Grayling fishing in Piana Rotaliana

The Noce River is a large mountain stream originating in the Stelvio National Park, flowing through Val di Sole and Val di Non. After leaving its impetuous alpine course, it takes on the typical characteristics of a lowland valley stream, meandering through lush greenery and picturesque expanses of water crowfoot. Further downstream, after the hydroelectric plant release, the riverbed becomes predominantly pebbly, creating an ideal habitat for grayling, thanks to its unobstructed connection to the Adige River.

Fishing spots on the Noce River

The DK Zone is an easily accessible fishing spot, with a quiet country road running just a few dozen metres from the riverbanks. Convenient parking is available near Ponte delle Fosine. The D2 Zone is particularly rich in grayling, though its water flow is heavily influenced by the hydroelectric plant discharge. While levels are usually favourable on weekends, caution is always advised. Due to the changing conditions, hiring an experienced guide is recommended for this area. 

Fishing tips

Fast currents, ideal for nymph fishing, alternate with slower glides, perfect for dry fly fishing. For dry fly fishing, mayfly imitations in brown shades are often very effective. For nymph fishing, use tungsten bead patterns (silver beads 2.5 to 3.8 mm on jig hooks). A CDC feather in a natural shade placed just behind the bead—preferably in dark colours—is highly recommended. Other effective nymph patterns include: CDC Pheasant Tail variant Red Tag and Pettirosso (Robin Red). A natural drift is crucial for presenting nymphs effectively, ensuring they move as realistically as possible in the current.  

Fishing permits

Fishing permits can be purchased in paper format from the authorised retailers listed on apdt.it or online via trentinofishing.it. The digital permit is also available through the Hooking app.

Fishing regulations

The following techniques are permitted: fly fishing with a traditional fly line or Euro nymphing ("a filo"); Tenkara and Valsesiana techniques; Moschera or Camolera fishing, using lead or a floating terminal. The D2 Zone opens on the first Sunday of March, while the DK Zone opens later in March. The fishing season closes towards the end of October. Throughout the entire concession, catch-and-release is mandatory for grayling.