Trip Report by Tommaso Fedele
Life often throws us unexpected events, demanding resilience and a choice in perspective: to see the glass half full or half empty. Recently, faced with a sudden change, I made my decision: I will go fishing. Thus began my journey, whisking me away from the bustling streets of Milan into the heights of Valtellina, Val Brembana, and Valsesia, in the north of Italy.
Valtellina: A Chilly Start in April
The biting cold of lingering winter greeted me as I arrived at the cabin in Valtellina. Despite the chill, the trout seemed quite active, especially in the afternoons when the sun, finally awakening from its winter slumber, spread its warmth.
Exploring Val Masino (one of the first tributaries of Adda river) revealed a diverse landscape: trails comfortable enough for an angler, some leading gently through the woods above the river, while others tested one’s skills in a very wild environment. A remarkable experience unfolded one morning. As the trout’s apathy lingered, a particular spot, almost paradise with its gentle currents flowing around rocks, caught my attention. Starting with my trusted kebari, a simple black futsu, it seemed like the morning inertia persisted until, suddenly, a trout rose to the kebari and missed. Then began an unprecedented sequence: 10 casts, 10 trout landed. Could one trout’s imperfect action activate an entire population within the pool?
Days passed, and living just seconds from the stream allowed me to discern even the slightest changes in trout behavior, following the subtle changes in weather conditions. Yet, it was time to move to another valley for the second part of my retreat along the streams.
Valsesia: Unveiling Hidden Treasures
Arriving in Valsesia during the warm season peeping, I discovered a unique aquatic heritage. Beyond the famed Sesia River, I ventured into the hidden gems of the valley—particularly the Val Mastallone and its smaller tributaries. Here, fishing culture thrives. Not only is it the birthplace of Valsesiana, a close relative of tenkara, but it’s also a place where everyone is into fishing or has a secret to share.
The landscape alternates through narrow valleys and vast spaces, demanding adaptability in fishing techniques and approach. The hatches of insects are spectacular, and knowing their timing ensures enjoying a frenzy among the stream’s inhabitants. Native brown trout, hybrids, and rainbow trout darting from reserves make the waters unpredictable yet thrilling to fish.
In my journey, I also spent a month on Brembo river (Val Brembana), where steady rains limited my fishing expeditions. Nevertheless, those few outings gifted me memorable catches in breathtaking locations.
Embracing Challenges
Life’s challenges can provide unexpected adventures. Walking endless miles on rivers, this fishing journey through the valleys of northern Italy unveiled not just the rich biodiversity of its waters but also the resilience and adaptability demanded of an angler. In the end, it’s not merely about the catch, but the journey, the learning, and the appreciation of nature’s bounty. As I cast my kebari and explored these diverse landscapes, each moment etched a story, making this fishing expedition a truly unforgettable experience.
Tommaso Fedele is a young tenkara angler and solo traveler whose happiness is found in the simplicity of life. Armed with nothing but a backpack, sturdy boots, and a tenkara rod he gets excited in the art of fishing and exploration. Follow his adventures on Instagram at Mykebari
This article originally appeared in the 2024 print issue of Tenkara Angler magazine.
Do you have a story to tell? A photo to share? A fly recipe that’s too good to keep secret? If you would like to contribute content to Tenkara Angler, click HERE for more details.
Discover more from Tenkara Angler
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.