The Noce River in Val di Non is fishing well this spring, with reports of excellent catches already coming in. By this point the season is fully underway, with the river in typically remaining clear and highly fishable, especially in the middle and lower reaches below tributary inflows and the dams around Lake Santa Giustina. Water temperatures generally rise into the ideal feeding range for marble trout and brown trout, and fish become noticeably more active throughout the day. Expect a classic alpine mix of pocket water, riffles, deep emerald runs, and undercut banks, with trout often holding tight to seams where fast and moderate currents meet. The Noce is renowned for large wild fish and May is considered one of the most productive months before heavier summer runoff.
The dominant hatches in May are Baetis, March browns, small stoneflies, and early caddis, with overcast afternoons often producing the most consistent surface activity. During the morning, tight-line Euro nymphing is usually the most effective method, using tungsten nymph patterns to probe the fast slots and drop-offs. As temperatures warm, trout begin rising in softer glides and tail-outs, making parachute Adams, CDC olives, and elk-hair caddis excellent choices in sizes 14–18. For trophy marble trout, many local guides favour articulated streamers or sculpin patterns stripped slowly along cut banks and through deeper canyon pools, especially under cloudy skies or after a slight rise in water. A 10-foot 3-weight for nymphing and a 9-foot 5- or 6-weight for streamers is an ideal two-rod setup. The key to success on the Noce in May is adaptability: start subsurface, watch carefully for afternoon hatch activity, and be ready to switch quickly when large trout begin feeding on top.
Don’t Miss our Hosted Trip
For a unique opportunity to sample the best of the Italian Alps, There are still three rods available for Alistair Routledge’s hosted trip to Val di Mastallone and Trentino this September from the 5th to the 13th. More details can be found here.
Val di Non, Trentino 2026 Fishing Rates
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
£2,530 per person based on shared room and shared guide
£2,760 per person based on single room and shared guide
£3,990 per person based on single room and single guide
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing
£1,460 per person based on shared room and shared guide
£1,590 per person based on single room and shared guide
£2,330 per person based on single room and single guide
Cost includes; guided fishing, fishing permits, half board accommodation, and transfers (to/from Verona).
Cost excludes; international flights, additional accommodation, car hire (not required), drinks, and gratuities.
For more information about fly fishing in Italy please contact Alex Jardine or Alistair Routledge. Alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
