Lake Garda

Lombardy / Veneto, Italy · Freshwater · Intermediate

Italy's largest lake, deep and alpine at the northern end and gentler in the south. Trolling for lake trout and the endemic carpione is the local tradition, with big pike in the southern bays.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based or boat

Lake Garda spans three administrative regions — Trentino to the north, Lombardy to the west and Veneto to the east — and each licences fishing separately, so which permit you need depends on the shore you fish. In Trentino, visitors without a licence from their own region of residence need the Trentino tourist fishing licence, which replaces the government licence and runs 30 consecutive days; day and area permits are issued by local angling associations. Confirm the rules for the specific stretch before fishing.

Access information source

Species

  • lake trout
  • northern pike
  • whitefish

Best times to fish

  • Spring lake trout
  • Autumn pike
  • Early morning before the wind

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Trolling or spin outfit
  • Spoons, minnows and deep divers
  • Sounder
  • Landing net

Optional

  • Boat hire
  • Downrigger
  • Sun protection

Regulations and requirements

  • A regional licence is required — Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino each issue their own for Garda
  • The endemic carpione is fully protected and must be released
  • Trolling rules, rod numbers and closed seasons vary by shore

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

Nearby fishing spots

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