Silence all around with just a natural, light breeze for company. The scent of nature itself, the buzz and whir of insects and the distant sound of cowbell. Fishing, and particularly when practised at altitude, can offer truly original emotions and sensations. And then of course there&´s Madesimo and valle Spluga, with its streams and lakes the perfect place to engage with a discipline that brings hundreds of tourists to the area every year. For anyone who wants to stay close to the town itself, the Scalcoggia stream is a fine starting point. The first stretch, right in the valley bottom is a no-kill fly fishing area, while the second section is a free zone; or you can always try your art in the nearby reservoir, full of adult trout.
 

There is ample choice all around the village of Madesimo. The reservoir at Isola a little lower down, or further up to the dams of Montespluga and Val di Lei, at 1901 and 1931 metres respectively. And among the Alpine lakes, both Angeloga and Emet are easily accessed after a pleasant, gentle walk. The small Emet lake is situated at 2145 metres and is right next to the rifugio Bertacchi which throws open its kitchen and rooms to visitors during summertime. For the younger ones however, amongst the favourite destinations remains the lake at Andossi, easily accessible on foot from either Madesimo or Montespluga. Both fine walks. But it&´s important, before tackling the sport, to understand the rules in force in the area, to respect things like quantity, and the days on which you are allowed to fish. In order to partake you must possess a seasonal licence or day permit; some passes are also available to tourists.

Newly introduced this season is a long weekend permit, from Friday until Sunday or from Saturday through to Monday, with the possibility for the permit holder to temporarily transfer his rod to a child or minor. A genuine family affair, providing the opportunity to enjoy a rather different weekend combining a little sport with some decent walks whilst staying in one of the town&´s hotels or selfcatering facilities all around. Our final advice, but not least, is to enjoy the dishes prepared in restaurants within our area: like Arctic char or rainbow trout - the most common species in our local streams and lakes - cooked with expertise by our inspired chef.