The best fishing spots in Alta Val Susa and Chisone, in the Piedmont Alps in the province of Turin.

Nestled between the majestic Piedmontese Alps, the Dora Riparia river and the Chisone torrent, together with their tributaries, become the protagonists of a new environmental tourism project. In addition to a wide range of outdoor activities for lovers of mountain tourism: hiking, mountain biking or snowshoeing, alpine or cross-country skiing, climbing and golf, there is fly fishing.

 

 

ROCHEMOLLES VALLEY

The Rochemolles Valley is of great natural, geological, sporting and mountaineering interest. Characterised by the impressive Rochemolles dam and an artificial lake with crystal-clear emerald waters, the valley boasts spectacular views, small lakes and waterfalls, making the landscape truly bucolic.

 

In terms of sport fishing, the area from the Rochemolles dam to the Scarfiotti Refuge lake is undoubtedly the most interesting.  Popular fishing spots include Rochemolles Lake and the streams above and below the dam.

 

 

 

ARGENTERA VALLEY AND RIPA STREAM

The Argentera Valley boasts an abundance of natural features, ranging from high mountain peaks on the border with France to alpine lakes and crystal-clear waterfalls. This makes it an ideal place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The Ripa torrent winds its way through larch trees and green meadows as far as Cesana Torinese, where it joins the Piccola Dora to form the Dora Riparia, one of Piedmont's major tributaries of the Po.

 

In terms of recreational fishing, the upper part of the Ripa stream is the most interesting waterway in the Susa Valley thanks to its large population of Mediterranean brown trout, a species that must be released immediately. In the lower part of the stream, from the Rollieres bridge to the centre of Cesana Torinese, a fishing reserve has been established that is divided into specific zones.

 

 

 

 

MONCENISIO AND CENISCHIA VALLEY

The short, narrow Cenischia valley is crossed by the stream of the same name. It is located to the side of the Val Susa valley, between the Rocciamelone peak and the Moncenisio massif. Running beyond the town of Susa, it climbs towards Novalesa, reaching the tiny municipality of Moncenisio, and includes the lake and the Moncenisio Pass. The Cenischia stream originates in France and, once it crosses the border near Moncenisio, becomes one of the most notable spots in the Upper Susa Valley for wild trout.

Main spots: Cenischia Torrent, Foppa Lake and Ferrera Lake.

 

 

 

CHISONE VALLEY

The Chisone Valley, whose name means 'closed' from the Latin, is only 'closed' from a geographical point of view: it has a rich heritage of knowledge, history and nature. Geographically, it starts in Pinerolo and extends northwest to Sestriere, where it is crossed by the 55 km long stream of the same name.

One of the most beautiful and productive river systems in Piedmont, the Chisone has its source at the foot of Mount Barifreddo. It runs through the entire Troncea Valley, collecting the waters of the Chisonetto from Colle del Sestriere at Pragelato. Near Perosa Argentina, the river receives the Germanasca, and finally joins the Pellice downstream of Pinerolo before flowing into the Po.

 

 

 

TRONCEA VALLEY

The Troncea Valley is home to the Troncea Nature Park, which is rich in flowers. It is therefore also known as the ‘Flower Valley’. The area boasts alpine environments surrounded by dense larch and stone pine forests, as well as extensive high-altitude pastures interspersed with rugged and imposing rock faces.

The Chisone stream, which crosses the valley, lends itself well to the dry fly technique and provides numerous catches, making fishing fun and varied. The hot summer months are the best time to obtain good results when fishing, while September is the best time to catch the largest specimens.

There is a ban on keeping brown trout and their hybrids in the valley, and a complete ban on fishing in a section of the Nature Park.

 

 

Photo credits

Alessandro Belluscio, Alessandro Saletti