Italia - no doubt many waters of great potentials!

Carp are virtually omnipresent in every suitable water in this country - and even though modern carp fishing has been developing for years in Italy since 1987, most waters has barely been seriously explored. Both commons - named "Reginas" in Italy - and mirror, leathers and linears are present - as are both amur and marble grasscarp. In general, only two rods are allowed on italian waters. Closed seasons are in force, generally in all of june - and can be extended to begin in may on many waters.  Angling permits are usually found at tackle dealers. Regulations vary from region to region, and it's advised to make sure, that you've got all permissions needed - sometimes also from local water authorities, as well as from the local club - before you start fishing. Nightfishing is not officially allowed - but is often accepted anyway at most waters.   If you can tell us more - send a mail to info@carphunters.com.

Accessa, Lago dell, Follonica
Big carp and amur grasscarp present in this not very easily fished water. >Internet, Carpfishing Italia, 2003<

Adda, Lodi, Milano, Crémone, Lombardia
This river has a very good carp population, at even though the average carp are perhaps not that impressive, fish to 20 kg+ has been caught. Heavy baitings are recommended. The carp are active most of the year - only not during frosts. Fishing for cyprinids are not allowed from may 15. to june 30. >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<

Albano,  Lago di, Rome 
Volcanic in origin, this lake 15 km from Rome is rather deep and depths are dropping off quickly in most places. Good stocks of both carp and grasscarp have been caught to 20 kg+ - the grasscarp even 25 kg+. Natural foods are abundant in these waters - where most of the carp are "Reginas" - immaculate common carp. Top season is september to november - ..... too many swimmers in summer!
Permits: http://www.itineraridipesca.com/informazioni.html  
Infos: Photo: http://www.geocities.com/costa_fy/albano.html
>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<, >Internet, Carpfishing Castelli Romani, 2005<

Alserio, Lago di, Alserio  
This 140 ha.  water is holding good stocks of both carp, which have been caught to 28 kg, and grasscarp, which have been caught to respectable 32 kg. One of the most important big fish waters in the country. As the margins are reeded all around the lake, a boat is indispensable here. Permits are available from the tackleshop in the main street of the village Erba, direction Canzo; as well as the national permit available from the Postoffice .
>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Annone, Lago, Annone
Really big carp to 30 kg reported from this lake of 5000 ha.. There have been reports of parked cars at the lake being vandalized - so beware.

Arno, Florence / Firenze
This famous river hold a very good carp population. While carp of 5 - 10 kg are abundant, fish of 15 kg+ are caught regularly. The national route 69 run along the river for some 90 kilometers from Firenze towards Arrezo. On the lower stretches of this river, the water is quite eutrofic. >Carpe Magazine no. 17, june 1994<

Avigliana, Lago di, Milano, Piémonte
Good head of carp in the 8 - 10 kg bracket - and fish of 15 kg+ has been caught in this lake in the north of the country. Carpe Magazine no. 38, jan 1996<

Bianco, Canale 
Big carp to 25 kg+ reported from this canal from Valdaro di Formicola throught the provinces Mantova, Verona, Rovigo, to the town of Bosarco.  Very good carp population. Depths to 4 m., fluctuating with approx. 1 meter depending on tides. Permits: http://www.angeln.it/pagine/licences.php  >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Bolsena, Lago di  Bolsena  
This big lake of 11400 ha. and depths to 81 m north of Rome has a very good stocking of big commons to 28 kg - rumours of a 32 kg mirror.. Also big grasscarp are present. Fish stocks here are excellent - so bring lots of baits! On this lake 3 rods are allowed. In some areas, long distance fishing in depths of 6-8 meters will be the key to success.
Austrian carp angler Andreas Karrer tells us more about it. 
Tickets available from the tackleshop in Bolsena. Further info: Ufficio Turismo, Plazza Matteotti. 9, 0761799923  
>Michael Fuchs. nov. 2004<

Phone-numbers indicated are for calls within Italy. From other countries, dial 0039 before the number

Bracciano , Lago di, Bracciano , Vicarello   
On this 5700 ha lake the carp record is officially 27 kg - but unofficially a 34 kg Regina have also been caught! Permits available from the tackleshop in Bracciano. Shallow areas are present, where big shoals of carp are usually patrolling - and the majority of the carp here are moving around a lot - but big, resident fish can also be found. Very often the big mirrors are prefering a little peace and quiet life to the shoals of patrolling 9-13 kg commons.>

Brenta, Padua
This river, on this stretch only some 50 m wide, is said to be teaming with carp to 6 - 8 kg, and some specimens at 12 - 20 kg! In Padua go for the industrial zone, and follow the route towards Vigonovo, and go to Camponogara - Fosso. >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<

Brugneto, Lago di, Liguria, Torriglia
This reservoir is known for good carp fishing, and fish has been caught to 15 kg+. The weather is a bit special in this area, due to the proximity to the sea and the altitude - very cold at winter and spring, and very moist in the night in the summer. Wids can be very strong here. Carpe Magazine no. 38, jan 1996<, >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<

Cabras, Lago di, Oristano, Cabras, Sardinia
This 3500 ha . lake on the westside of the island is known for good carpfishing. Fish to 30 kg has been caught. >Carpe Magazine no. 38, jan 1996<

Caldaro, Lago di, Trente, Trentin
Both amur grasscarp and carp to 25 kg are present in this not too easily accessible lake, where a boat will come in very handy. The depths shelves off very gradually - only some 4 - 5 meters at 70 meters from the bank in most places. Nightfishing is allowed from june 1. to september 30. Permits from Associazione Pescatori Dilettanti Trentini. Carpe Magazine no. 38, jan 1996<, >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<

The canals of Venice, Venice
Surrounding Venice are found several bigger and smaller canals connecting to the Adriatic see, where considerable tides are encountered, but where hard-fighting carp are also abundant despite the rather saline water. Heavy rods and heavy braided lines are recommended, as the carp here go to 20 kg+ in the heavy current, when the tides turn.
Note, that the difference in waterlevels can be more than 130 cm in the tide! Make sure to place your gear at a safe level! >Carpe Magazine no. 132, nov. 2003<

Canterno , Lago di,  Provinca di Frosinone, Alatri
In this 100 years old and very beautifull natural lake of 600 ha, huge stocks of commons and for the Lazio region also many mirrors swim around. Very big grasscarp are also present. 
Permits: Ufficio Pesca della Provincia di Frosinone, phone 0775836835.  
Infos: http://www.itineraridipesca.com/ns_itinerari/itinerari_10.html  http://www.itineraridipesca.com/informazioni.html  
http://www.geocities.com/costa_fy/itinerari/Canterno.html . >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Cavallini, Lago, Grosseto, Toscana
In this private water made for irrigation carp and grasscarp are not exactly abundant, but yet present to 20 kg+. The average carp go 6-7 kg. >Internet, Carpfishing Italia, 2003<

Corbara, Lago di, Orvieto, Corbara
This 10 km long, narrow, 2000 ha reservoir on the river Tevere is very well known for the big carp present there. The carp population is very big, and even though you'll probably have to work your way through loads of fish in the 5 - 15 kg bracket, much bigger specimens has been caught - several of 25 kg+. Lake record is 29 kg - the average carp a more modest 10 kg, though - but plenty of them, which is probably why focus has allways been put on huge catches - and not too much attention have been put on seaking out the big ones! Acces to much of the lake is difficult, and most swims are found close to the damm end. >Carpe Magazine no. 17, june 1994<, >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<, >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Chiusi, Lago di, Firenze
Well, not exactly close by Firenze - but south of the A1, where you drive off the highway towards Chiusi. This lake is known for very big carp, caught to 20 kg+. Make sure to use rockhard baits, as american catfish can be a pest!. Boats can be hiret at the lake. Permits: Armi e Pesca, Via Roma 184, Castiglione del Lago, phone 0039-75-951951. >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<

Endine, Lago de, Bergamo, Ranzanico al Lago
Not far from Bergamo, this lake of 230 ha offers very good carp and grasscarp, both to 30 kg+. Rumours of a 36 kg mirror have not yet been confirmed. The lake is 6 kilometers long, and a few hundred meters wide. As the banks are quite inaccessible, a boat can come in very handy. In some places, good swims are available.
Fishing is by no means easy on this water, as the carp stock is quite small - but very good fishing with an average of 17 kg should be possible! >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<, >Michael Fuchs, November 2004<

Elvella, Lago, Siena
Even though this lake north of Siena suffers from algae in summers, it has great carpfishing potential, and fish has been caught to 20 kg. >Internet, Carpfishing Italia, 2003<

Eurofish, Lago, Terni, Maratta Bassa
18 ha gravelpit with a very good stock of carp and grasscarp to 15 kg+. Further informations: Giulio Santilli 328/5713004. >Internet, Carpfishing Castelli Romani, 2005<

Fiume Ombrone, Grosseto, Toscana
This river hold a good potential for good carp, not at all fully explored. >Internet, Carpfishing Italia, 2003<

Garda , Lago di   
At 37.000 ha.  this is virtually an inland sea - but no doubts holding very good carp never the less! The southern part of the lake is ideal for carpfishing. Ofteh carp are caught in considerable depths - even to 20 meter! Permits from the postoffice and kiosks at the lake. When using boats, a lifewest is required.
Good  stretches are from Sirmione to Desenzano del Garda and from Lazise to Peschiera del Garda. >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Livenza  Another big carp river. Magra, La Spezia Carp to over 25 kg has been caught from this river. Mandarina, Lago di, Orzinouvi, Via Castelbarco carp to 20 kg+, with an average weight of 9 kg, and grasscarp to 17 kg are present in this popular commercial venue. Shower, toilets and restaurant. More info, phone 348 4046658 / 3397 545417. >Internet, Foodland, 2005<, Internet, www.lagomandarino.com, 2005<

Martignano , Lago di,  Lazio,  Rome
Some 30 km Northwest of Rome, no more than 5 km west of Lago di Bracciano, this "baby brother" of some 240 ha. is found. Carp to 24 kg+ have been caught here.  Permits: Acque secondarie di categoria “B”.  
Infos: http://www.ucm-fishing.com/leggipesca.htm#tre   http://www.xaide.supereva.it/pesca/Roma03NormePesca.pdf http://www.dimensionepesca.com/regole.htm   
>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Mezzano , Lago di, Farnese
Somewhere like 15 km west of Lago di Bolsena, this 500 ha. unspoilt water is offering good opportunities for having a good time - right next to the ancient vulcan Mt. Becco.. No further info on the carp size in this water available for the moment. Infos: http://www.lagodibolsena.it/indexframe.html  
>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Monate,  Lago di, Monate
This water of 250 ha between Lago di Varese and Lago di Maggiore is supposed to become more heard of in the future. Lake carp record is 25 kg - but not all is expected to have been revealed from its waters yet. Permits in the local tackleshop in Monate. >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Montemassi, Lago di, Grosseto, Toscana
Private water used for irrigation, containing both carp and amur grasscarp to 20 kg.  >Internet, Carpfishing Italia, 2003<

Montorfano, Lago, Lombardia
Big carp reported from this 52 ha. lake. Lake record for carp 26 kg, grasscarp 27 kg. As far as I understand (my italian is rather rusty), this lake is not easy to fish - not too many swims available - but still virtually no angling pressure. >Internet, Felsinea Carpclub, 2003<, >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Mantova lakes, Lombardia, Mantova, Giotto.
These 3 lakes is created on the river Mincio, before it joins the mighthy river Po., is to be considered as a sort of "center" in italian carpfishing - and the carp here has proven to grow very well!
In the upper lake Lago Superior, many floating islands are present, that from time to time by heavy winds tears loose, drift away and find new hold in another area, thus creating new promissing features to fish to. Locals often tend to take advantages of these new hot-spots. Bivvy is to my knowledge not authorised on this lake, but the locals tries to get this changed, so get the up-dates on the situation, when you get there. Lake record 26 kg
Two 4 meters high waterfalls borders to the Lago Mezzo. At both these waterfalls carp to 20 kg has been caught!. The strong current do however cause some problems for fishing - even with heavy leads - above all at the swims named "Citadella" and "Manufatto" on the top fall, and the "Vasarone", that in spite of the swim here only being 2 meters wide can be excellent!
At the next fall "La Vasarina" , being smaller, the carp are always patrolling, and offers very good fishing.
From Lago Mezzo the river passes Mantova town, before it at the San Georgio bridge runs into the third lake. On this stretch many good swims are present along the road. In this lake, the carp preferably patroll the margins, and 10 runs a day should not be unusual, if the swim has been prepared and baited right. Fully scaled carp has been caught to 25 kg here!
Big wels cats - to 50 kg - are also present in this lake.
Permits available from the tackleshop in Giotto, and the national one at FIPS in Mantova. Make sure to get all the permits needed.
Infos: http://www.lamincio.com/frameset.html
 >Carpe Record no 18, 2003<, >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Please note, that I have no personal experienses from any on the waters briefly mentioned here. For futher informations, check out the references listed.

Occhito, Lago di, Colletorio, Molise, Pouilles
This reservoir on the river Fortore in the south of Italy has a good carp population. The average fish are rather small - 6 - 7 kg - but 15 kg+ fish has been caught. >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<

Piano, Lago di,    Carlazzo
Between Lago di Lugano and Lago di Como, this some 180 ha. water can be worth a closer look. Not much has been published from the water, but in the clear water huge carp can be observed patrolling the lillie-beds.
Infos: http://www.provincia.como.it/gestione_ittica/licenza_pesca/regolamento_dil/lago_piano.asp 
E-Mail: infopesca@provincia.como.it  
>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Po, Rovigo 
Even if this mighty river primarily is well known for the very famous fishing for catfish and zander - but it's also crawling with carp to really respectable sizes! Fish to 20 - 25 kg has been caught quite frequently - and sightings of even bigger fish has been reported.
Not many people fish for them, though, as fishing is not exactly easy due to the heavy current!
The carp don't mind though - and against all generally accepted rules, they tend to cruise right in the outskirts of the fastest currents!
Many more quiet spots - blind arms and the like are present though, where fishing can be quite a lot easier.
Really good maps of a long stretch of the river can be found on http://www.grupposiluro.it/  - go to Il Po and then Mappa di Po. A whole 9 sectors are covered - with excellent maps to drive after to find the right place to wet the lines.

Po-Delta
The river Po divides into 6 branches, that are forming the mighty delta: Goro, Gnocca, Donzella, Tolle, Pila, Maistra and Levante. The average carp in the delta go to 8-13 kg, but 15 kg+ fish are not rare and 20 kg+ fish have been caught here quite frequently. Don't forget to bring plenty of bait ..... 
Permits: http://www.angeln.it/pagine/licences.php . >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Pusiano, Lago  Pusiano  
Fish to 30 kg has been caught from this 520 ha water with depths to 24 m. Long-range fishing can be the key to succes - as can fishing in front of the reeds on the bank in many areas. Note, that these reed-zones are protected and are out of bounds to anglers - as are private areas along the banks.>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Ripalta, Lago di, 
Good head of carp to 22 kg in this fairly small lake of 11 ha. Daytickets available - and special nightfishing permits too. >Internet, http://www.apd.no.it/Ripalta/lago_ripalta.htm, 2003<,  >Internet, Carpfishing Italia, 2003<, >Michael Fuchs, nov.2004<

Ripasottile, Lago, Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile,   Rieti. 
This is where Alesandro di Cesare the 06.12.1999 caught his famous 32,60 kg fish - and it's not the only big one caught on this 100 ha lake in the reserve Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile. 
Infos: http://www.laghidellazio.it/Ripasottile.htm  http://www.itineraridipesca.com/LLazio.html >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Salto, Lago di, Abbruzzia, Latium, Rieti  
Big carp to 25 kg and grasscarp to 30 kg reported from this very beautifull 82 ha reservoir on the river Salto. The average carp are about 10 - 15 kg. Rumours has it, that a huge grasscarp of 41 kg+ were caught in september 2003 - but this has not been confirmed. Vast weedbeds are changing with areas of hard, rocky bottoms. Permits from the forrest-dept. in Rieti, on Via Saleria. >Carpe Magazine no. 17, june 1994<, >Carpe Magazine no. 40, march 1996<, >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Sile,
Big carp are present in this river.

Scandarello, Lago di,
Austrian angler Andreas Karrer has fished this 80 ha lake:

Segrino, Lago di  Pusiano, Canzu
This 70 ha water hold very big carp to 25 kg and grasscarp to 27 kg. Permits available from the tackleshop in Erba, as well as in the postoffice. >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Suviana, Lago di, Bologna
Carp to 25 kg has been reported from thisa Appenine mountans lake. >Carpe Magazine no. 38, jan 1996<

Tevere, Delta di  
This river delta produces many big commons

Trasimeno, Lago di
This third biggest lake in Italy, at 12.000 ha., is on 90% very shallow - only 1 - 2 meters deep, with a central depression to 6 meters. In winter, the fish is said to desert the borders, and congregate in this small deeper part. Locals often fish from the island Maggiore. Carp of 15 kg+ are very abundant in this lake, and carp of 25 kg+ are a possibility. >Carpe Magazine no. 17, june 1994<

Turano, Lago di  Rome, Rieti
Carp to 28 kg present - grasscarp to 30 kg+ in this 60 ha reservoir. Permits for 3 months available from the forrest dept. in Rieti. 3 rods allowed here. Also look at Turano. >Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Varese , Lago di,  Varese  
One of the italian top-waters. Not many swims are available on the 150 ha water, as much of the banks are private, and reeds are very abundant. Lake record 28 kg. Permits from Cooperativa Pescatori del lago di Varese. Permits to use a boat Nicolini Gianni - Via Pescatori, 23 - Calcinate - phone. 0332-320.115. >Michael Fuchs, november 2004<

Villetta Barrea , Lago di, Villetta Barrea, Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo  
50 ha  lake, where the lake record is 24 kg. Permits from Albergo Ristorante IL PESCATOREVia Roma - Villetta Barrea (AQ)  
Infos: Phone. 0864-89347/89253 - fax. 0864-89439. >Michael Fuchs, november 2004<

Viverone , Lago di,  Viverone  
3 rods are allowed on this 5500 ha water, rated to be one of the 10 best carp waters in the country. Carp have been caught to 30 kg. Permits from Vasco Bar, other restaurants and tackleshops around the lake. Fishing is alledgedly best early and late in the season. Infos: http://www.apd.no.it/Viverone/viverone.htm  
>Michael Fuchs, nov. 2004<

Zero
Big carp are present in this river.