A DAY OF FISHING AT LAKE NEMBIA: A paradise for families and fishermen

A DAY OF FISHING AT LAKE NEMBIA: A PARADISE FOR FAMILIES AND FISHERMEN

FOREWORD

Lake Nembia offers much more than just a fishing opportunity. This enchanting lake is an all-round tourist destination, satisfying nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a quiet place to spend quality time.

In order to best present this beautiful location, I have necessarily had to digress a little from the main topic, fishing, to provide a complete overview of the place. You will find useful information on walks, bathing activities, access for dogs and much more, all designed to help you fully appreciate the beauty and variety of experiences Lake Nembia has to offer.

If you are only interested in fishing and want to get straight to the point, you can safely skip the first part of the article and head straight to the chapter entitled '2. FISHING AT LAKE NEMBIA: OUR EXPERIENCE'. From here on you will find all the detailed information and advice you need to get the most out of your fishing experience in this beautiful lake.

Enjoy reading!

1. LAKE NEMBIA: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. WHERE IS LAKE NEMBIA LOCATED?

Lake Nembia is a small, charming natural lake located in Trentino, inside the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. Above its waters soar the imposing mountains that dominate this territory, such as the central chain of the Brenta Group, the Monte Gazza massif and the Paganella. These mountains offer a spectacular background and are very popular with hikers and nature lovers.

Lake Nembia

Just over 1 km to the north is the village of Molveno, which gives its name to the nearby lake, which is considerably larger than Lake Nembia. Lake Molveno is famous for having been awarded the prestigious 5 sails by Legambiente, an award given for excellence in environmental quality and efforts to conserve ecosystems. This lake also stands out for being voted the most beautiful in Italy this year, as well as being the second largest in Trentino, after Lake Caldonazzo.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/odNWHt3kSGmNtwhL8

Lake Molveno

Less than 4 km south of Lake Nembia is San Lorenzo in Banale, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy. The village fascinates with its small, cobbled streets, old stone houses and rich local traditions. From a culinary point of view, it is famous for 'Ciuìga', a unique sausage made from pork and turnips. Every year, the village hosts the 'Sagra della Ciuìga', an event that attracts numerous visitors, eager to taste this speciality and other local delicacies.

A fascinating view of Borgo San Lorenzo in Banale, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

1.2. NEMBIA LAKE: MORPHOLOGY AND CHARACTERISTICS

With its small size - about 400 metres long and 120 metres wide - Lake Nembia is distinguished by its clear, transparent waters, which reach a maximum depth of about 2.8 metres. The emerald colour of its waters reflects the imposing cliff towering above the western shore, creating a panorama of extraordinary beauty.

Climbing the Nembia cliff, with the lake of the same name in the background (credits: outdooractive.com)

The eastern shore of Lake Nembia is perfectly equipped to accommodate families and fishing enthusiasts, making it a versatile and welcoming destination. A large lawn, equipped with tables and chairs, provides the ideal space for an outdoor picnic, allowing anyone to enjoy a relaxing meal surrounded by nature. This verdant lawn is perfect for lying in the sun, playing ball or simply relaxing with a good book.

Lake Nembia, Trentino: the perfect place for fishermen and families

The lake's surroundings, with its wooden walkways and benches along the eastern shore, invite you to take short walks and find quiet corners to sit and enjoy the view. These elements contribute to making the experience at Lake Nembia complete and rewarding for all ages, offering multiple activities in a natural and safe setting. For the little ones, a well-equipped playground provides them with hours of fun, allowing parents to relax while the children play in peace.

Southern pedestrian bridge of Lake Nembia

1.3. BIRTH, DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF LAKE NEMBIA

Both lakes, Nembia and Molveno, were formed by a gigantic landslide that broke away from the surrounding mountains and blocked the valley, preventing the normal flow of water. Initially, Lake Nembia was fed by an underground spring from the nearby Lake Molveno, located 68 metres higher and just over a kilometre away.

Lake Nembia bottom left, Lake Molveno top right (credit: garnilagonembia.com)

During the economic boom of the 1950s, Italy experienced rapid industrial growth, which led to a significant increase in demand for electricity. In response to this need, the Nembia hydroelectric power station was built. To supply this new energy infrastructure, water was taken entirely from the only spring feeding the small Lake Nembia. This total water withdrawal had a significant impact on the local environment, leading to the complete drying up of the lake. The transformation of the natural landscape highlighted the trade-offs between economic development and the conservation of natural resources.

Nembia hydroelectric power station (credit: Google Maps)

It was only in the mid-1990s, thanks to the collaboration between WWF, ENEL and the Autonomous Province of Trento, that the area was restored. The bottom of the lake was sealed and the water reintroduced through a small tributary. In addition, the banks were enhanced with lawns, trees and play areas. Today, like a phoenix, Lake Nembia has risen from its ashes and has become an extremely popular place for residents and tourists alike, becoming an ideal destination for walking, sunbathing and fishing.

1.4. HOW TO GET TO LAKE NEMBIA

Lake Nembia can be easily reached by car.

From the North: Take the A22 Brennero motorway and exit at San Michele all'Adige-Mezzocorona. Then follow the signs for Val di Non and then Molveno. Continue towards San Lorenzo in Banale; from here, you will find clear road signs for Lago di Nembia.

From the South: On the A22 Brennero motorway, take the Rovereto Sud-Lago di Garda Nord exit. Continue towards Arco, passing through Dro and Pietramurata until you reach Sarche. From here, head towards Madonna di Campiglio following the signs for Molveno/Andalo. Keep heading in this direction and, once you are close to Molveno, you will find signs for Lago di Nembia, located less than 4 km away.

From Molveno: If you are already in Molveno, Lake Nembia is easily accessible in a few minutes by car or with a pleasant walk.

A22 motorway

1.5. WHERE TO PARK AT LAKE NEMBIA

Lake Nembia offers numerous parking options, making access easy and convenient for all visitors. There are two main parking lots: one on the south shore and one on the north shore of the lake, both equipped with a bar limiting entry to vehicles taller than 2.5 metres. The northern parking lot is situated among trees, providing pleasant shade for parked vehicles, while the southern parking lot is completely exposed to the sun.

Nembia Lake car park, north parking lot

Along the road beside the lake, additional parking spaces are available without height restrictions, providing practical solutions for those travelling with larger vehicles. These car parks, slightly sheltered from the sun by a line of trees, are numerous and positioned so as to be easily accessible from the lake.

Nembia Lake car park, along the road alongside the lake

All car parks are chargeable 24 hours a day, with differentiated rates for weekends and midweek days. Although camping is forbidden, it is possible to stay overnight with your campervan, provided that you regularly stay within the designated parking spaces and of course pay for parking.

Parking tariff at Lake Nembia (updated summer 2024)

This well-organised system ensures that visitors can fully enjoy their days at Lake Nembia without having to worry about logistical issues, offering easy access to the shores of the lake.

1.6. IS IT POSSIBLE TO SWIM IN THE LAKE?

If you are wondering whether you can swim at Lake Nembia, the answer is yes. During the warm season, Lake Nembia becomes an ideal destination for those who love to dive into its crystal-clear waters and find refreshment on sunny summer days.

The northern pedestrian bridge is often used for diving into the water, especially by children. This access point to the lake has become a favourite spot for youngsters, who love to run along the walkway and dive into the cool waters below.

The presence of a lifeguard during the summer guarantees a safe environment for adults and children, ensuring that everyone can swim in peace. This service is particularly appreciated by families, who can relax knowing that their children are supervised by qualified personnel.

1.7. CAN YOU GO WITH YOUR DOG TO LAKE NEMBIA?

Once again, the answer is yes, dogs are allowed at Lake Nembia! In fact, another plus factor of this lake is the possibility of enjoying its beauty in the company of your four-legged friend, a feature not taken for granted in many lakes in Trentino. Indeed, not all lakes in the region offer adequate space or allow dogs, making Lake Nembia a particularly popular choice with pet owners.

This attention to four-legged friends reflects the inclusive and welcoming approach of Lake Nembia, making it an ideal destination for families who want to spend a day outdoors without having to leave their dogs at home.

A whole area has been set aside for them in the southern part of the lake. To be fair, I also saw many dogs in other areas, but this seemed to be very tolerated. By this I do not mean to suggest breaking the rules, which should be respected regardless, but from what I noticed it did not seem to be a rule that was enforced very fiscally.

Kobe, intent on hunting some big rainbow trouts

1.8. THE NEMBIA LAKE PROMENADE

The area surrounding Lake Nembia, like the entire Trentino region, is ideal for an infinite number of outdoor activities, including trekking, hiking, Nordic walking, climbing, canyoning and many others. Although it is not possible to explore all of these activities in detail in this article, since our main focus is on fishing, I cannot fail to mention a beautiful walk with minimal elevation gain that starts right from Lake Nembia.

Heading north, one can in fact reach the nearby Lake Molveno and walk the entire loop of its shores before returning to Lake Nembia. This route, which covers about 13 kilometres, takes about three hours to complete. Besides offering spectacular panoramic views, the trail also allows you to explore the beautiful village of Molveno.

Walk around Lake Molveno (credit: www.visittrentino.info/en)

Molveno is a classic mountain village, characterised by stone and wooden houses that lend an authentic charm. The historic centre, free from traffic, is livened up by various local craft shops and cosy little restaurants that are well worth a visit. A particular point of interest is the panoramic terrace of Piazza Scuole, from which there is a magnificent view of the lake.

This break in Molveno is perfect to recharge your batteries and enjoy a moment of relaxation before ending your walk and returning to Lake Nembia.

Village of Molveno (credit: www.molveno.it)

1.9. FISHING AT LAKE NEMBIA: A PARADISE FOR RAINBOW AND LARGE BROWN TROUT

Fishing enthusiasts will find a true paradise in Lake Nembia. The lake's waters, thanks to their clarity, make the numerous brown and rainbow trout clearly visible. These stocked trout are all of large size and offer excellent opportunities for extremely enjoyable fishing. However, as we have just seen, during the summer period the lake is very busy with tourists, which can reduce the tranquillity especially on the east bank. However, the other shore is almost always empty, offering a quieter area for anglers.

Don't worry, we will go into more detail about our fishing experience in the next chapter.

Andi (left) and Ruben (right) in search of the first fish of the day

1.10. GARNI LAGO DI NEMBIA

For those wishing to extend their stay, the Garni Lago di Nembia is an excellent choice. Located just a few steps from the lake, this cosy garni offers not only a comfortable overnight stay but also the possibility of obtaining fishing permits directly on site. By staying at the Garni Lago di Nembia, guests can take advantage of a discounted rate for fishing permits, paying € 32 instead of € 35. This proximity to the lake and the easy access to fishing permits make Garni Lago di Nembia the ideal solution for fishing enthusiasts and for anyone wishing to enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by nature.

Garni Lago di Nembia

2. FISHING AT LAKE NEMBIA: OUR EXPERIENCE

2.1. THE TEAM

For this fishing session there were three anglers and one photographer. I, the author of this article, was in charge of capturing the highlights of the day, while Ruben from our pro team, Andi, responsible for the research and development at 1000 flies, and Dominik, my son, were in charge of bringing a few fish ashore.

I won't hide from you that it's not easy being a photographer when you'd much rather be casting the fly! But I must say that watching our experts at work and seeing Dominik with a smile on his face at every catch made the experience really special and fun for me too.

2.2. STOCKED TROUT, BUT DAMN CLEVER

Lake Nembia, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters, certainly does not conceal its rich fish fauna. Walking along its shores or crossing the pedestrian bridges over the water, one can easily spot numerous large trout, often exceeding 50 cm. Although they are mainly stocked fish, the specimens are of high quality: powerful, healthy and with well-developed fins. The predominant species is rainbow trout, but it is not uncommon to come across some exceptionally large brown trout.

Being basically a trout fishing pond, some people might turn up their noses, thinking that they are wasting their time on easy-to-catch trout. But we found that nothing could be more wrong. Being a no-kill lake with crystal-clear water, the trout are extremely cunning and selective, and can sense deception from metres away.

A rainbow trout from Lake Nembia, intent on feeding on the surface

We spent much of the time watching them come to the surface to examine our flies, then avoided them as if they were poison. Initially it seemed to us that the leader attached to the fly was too visible. The temptation to reduce the diameter was strong, but the considerable size of the fish made it impossible to go below a certain breaking strength.

Not knowing what would be the best approach and seeing an impressive number of refusals, we tried an incredible amount of different dry flies and streamers. Each time we cast, we hoped that this would be the right one, but the fish seemed to have other ideas. We tied on sedges, klinkhamers, blue duns and who knows how many other famous patterns, not forgetting streamers of every colour, shape and weight. Each new fly was carefully chosen with the expectation of finally catching the fish's attention, but they all seemed uninteresting in their eyes. Frustration grew, but so did our determination to find the right solution.

Ruben, for his part, lure fishing experienced the same frustration as us. I remember that he really tried everything, but there was no way he could get any fish to move. We are familiar with his qualities as an angler, and if the most he managed to achieve was a few timid pursuits, then it was clear that the trout were decidedly disinclined to move. We watched Ruben change lure several times, alternating colours and tactics, but the fish seemed completely uninterested. His determination was admirable, but even he had to surrender to reality: the trout had no intention of cooperating that day.

Our heroes as they try to crack the code

2.3. THE FIRST FISH OF THE DAY

At a certain point, as unexpected as a thunderbolt from a blue sky, I heard to my left the classic 'swosh' of the striking rod. I turned around and saw Andi busy handling a fish that was defending itself with all its might. It was spectacular to see the rod finally bend under the head shakes of a fish pointing hard towards the bottom of the lake.

Andi intent on handling the first fish of the day

The little black spider, cast about 6 metres in an area where there had been some rising fish, had done its job to perfection. The choice of location and pattern had proved to be right, and our excitement was palpable as we watched the first fish of the day give battle.

After a couple of minutes of intense fighting, the fish finally gave in and, with unexpected elegance, slipped into the landing net. We held our breath until the last moment, and then burst out in chorus exclamations of joy.

Andi, with the first fish of the day caught on a dry fly with a small black spider

2.4. THE ACE UP THE SLEEVE

The joy of the moment quickly faded when, almost an hour later, no other fish had graced us with its interest. Our perseverance was about to be put to the test, but we knew we had an ace up our sleeve, or at least in our hearts we hoped we did. Indeed, in our fly boxes we had a large selection of Stillwater flies Made in Italy.

These included both proven patterns and some new prototypes to test. With the air of someone playing out the only joker left to him, we decided to temporarily set aside the classic dry flies to experiment with something different: Stillwater-specific patterns, carefully created by our Morgan and Team Sayot.

These new patterns promised great things, and, with renewed hope, we put them to the test, ready to see if they would make a difference.

And like the best movie with a happy ending, so it was here too!

We started straight away with the Eggstasty Fish Egg and the Blob Mix Fluo and they immediately proved to be a great choice. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Nembia allowed us a clear view of what was happening in the water, and it was clear that the trout had a different interest in the strange thing that had just landed in the water.

Le mosche da laghetto che per noi si sono rivelate le più efficaci

We do not know exactly why, but we speculated that their resemblance to breadcrumbs may have played a role. During the summer, in fact, tourists tend to throw breadcrumbs to fish and ducks, and perhaps these patterns broke through that veil of mistrust that made the fish suspicious. Or, quite simply, our Morgan really is a master at tying the matching flies also for the toughest conditions.

A trout from Lake Nembia just before taking an Eggstasty Fish Egg

Once the right setting was found, our youngest angler, Dominik, also started to make his first catches. Despite the great experience of our more skilled anglers, it was Dominik who landed the biggest fish of the day. This episode proved that sometimes freshness and enthusiasm can prevail over experience. His joy at holding that huge fish was contagious, reminding us that fly fishing always holds surprises and that every angler, regardless of age, can have his moment of glory.

Dominik with the biggest fish of the day

2.5. THE ART OF COMPLICATING LIFE

This was our first experience at Lake Nembia, and although we cannot state with certainty that this specific Stillwater fly is the absolute best pattern, it was undoubtedly the most effective on that day. After satisfying the desire to catch a few fish, Andi set aside the small Stillwater blobs to make the challenge more interesting.

At least during this particular day, the least productive techniques were definitely streamer fishing and spinning. The trout seemed to be saying, "Chasing your lure? Not today, mate!" And what did Andi choose to use in the end? Obviously, a streamer! This time, however, he opted for a Stillwater-specific streamer pattern from the Made in Italy series.

Andi while searching for the right Stillwater streamer to attach to the leader

Convinced of his choice, he cast his fly as confidently as a poker player lays down a royal flush, but the result was not what he had hoped for. In fact, as the fish had already made clear to us, their will to move was equal to that of a sloth with tendonitis.

However, fishing is not an exact science. It is an art that mixes patience, intuition and a pinch of luck. Every angler knows that there is no magic formula that always guarantees success. We can have the best gear, know every technique and study fish behaviour in depth, but there will always be unpredictable variables.

Andi as he is challenged by the scepticism of the Nembia trout

In fact, all of a sudden, a small yellow streamer moved with just the right amount of slowness by the skilful hands of Andi, produced the only catch on this type of fly that day. Although the trout were listless, this catch proved that with a little patience - let's say some patience - it is possible to achieve results even in the most difficult conditions. Andi persevered despite the trout's reluctance to move, devoting time and attention to every detail. His determination paid off and seeing him succeed in such a complicated situation gave us a good lesson in how important it is not to give up. Even on the most complicated days, with the right technique and a pinch of tenacity, great satisfaction can be achieved.

Dominik landing the trout caught on a streamer by Andi

For us, this was the most rewarding catch of the day. It was not just the size of the fish, which was a good size anyway, but the way the catch was made. After a couple of hours of trying and strategizing, finally seeing the trout taking Andi's streamer was incredibly exciting.

Trout caught with a BH Eggstasty Streamer Fluo Yellow Made in Italy

2.6. THE QUEEN OF THE LAKE

Meanwhile, Ruben certainly didn't sit idly by. Accepting the fact that spinning was not the best choice in that particular situation, he did not lose heart and started fly fishing. Soon he managed to catch his first trout, and he did it in style! In fact, the most beautiful catch of the day was certainly made by him, a sumptuous brown trout over 50 that absolutely would not give up.

During the fight we feared the worst, because suddenly the big salmonid swam under the wooden pedestrian bridge. At that point there was a serious risk of breaking the rod and in any case the fish had a considerable extra chance to unhook or breaking the tippet.

None of this ever happened as you can see from the photo below. The calmness and professionalism of how he handled the situation was truly exemplary and allowed him to be able to show us this wonderful fish.

Ruben, from our pro team, with the best catch of the day

3. FISHING PERMITS FOR LAKE NEMBIA

Updated for the 2024 season

First of all, we would like to remind you that from this year (2024) in the whole of Trentino you no longer need a governmental licence to obtain daily fishing permits. This allows everyone to buy a daily permit from the various angling associations without any particular problems.

The fishing permit for Lake Nembia costs 35 euro and is valid for the whole day. The number of daily fishermen is limited to 15, so I advise you to check availability in advance on the Trentino Fishing web portal or by calling the Garnì Lago di Nembia.

In my opinion the best ways to get a fishing permit at Lake Nembia are only 2.

Trentino Fishing: The most convenient and fastest method is to register on the Trentino Fishing web portal and buy the fishing permits online. You can buy the permit in advance or the same day you arrive at the lake in a few minutes, and you will be ready to fish immediately.

Garnì Lago di Nembia: An alternative is to physically get the permits at the Garnì Lago di Nembia, which is a stone's throw from the lake. If you spend the night there, you will also get a 3 € discount on the permit.

4. FISHING REGULATIONS OF LAKE NEMBIA

Updated to the 2024 season

Here I will give you a brief summary of the main rules you need to respect if you want to fish at Lake Nembia. You can find the complete rules on the official website of the Associazione Pescatori Dilettanti Alto Sarca at this link: https://www.altosarca.it/Regolamento_nokill

4.1. THE RULES IN BRIEF

1. Use of the rod: Only one rod rigged with a maximum of two single barbless hooks or artificial lure with one single barbless hook.
2. No-Kill: Fishing is strictly no-kill, every fish caught must be unhooked and released as gently as possible.
3. Fishing hours: Fishing is permitted from 7 a.m. until sunset.
4. Allowed baits: Dry flies and nymphs, streamers, sabiki rigs, spinners, spoons hard baits may be used. Live or natural bait, soft baits and paste are prohibited.
5. Access to the water: You are allowed to enter the water, but the use of boats is prohibited, with the exception of the belly boat.
6. Use of a landing net: The use of a landing net, preferably rubberised, is compulsory.
7. Bathing area: During the summer period, it is important to respect the bathing area.

5. FINAL CONCLUSIONS

Our adventure at Lake Nembia was an experience full of challenges and lessons. We discovered that, despite the abundant presence of trout, catching them can be anything but easy. The crystal-clear waters of the lake, combined with the selective nature of the fish, put us to the test, forcing us to constantly review our techniques and experiment with a wide range of flies and streamers.

Perseverance was the key to our success. Every angler in our group has shown admirable determination, adapting its strategies and facing difficulties with patience and creativity. We are even more aware that fishing is not an exact science, but rather an art that requires intuition, experience and a bit of luck.

Andi’s and Ruben's catches were particularly significant, proving that with the right combination of technique and tenacity it is possible to achieve results even in the most difficult conditions. Our young Dominik also showed that enthusiasm and freshness can compete with experience, leading him to land the biggest fish of the day.

We hope to return to these shores soon, armed with the lessons learned and ready for new challenges. Lake Nembia has taught us a lot and we are certain that it still has many secrets to reveal.