Sardinia is famous for its beaches, but anglers know it hides something else: quiet lakes surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, rivers lined with reeds and a rocky coastline where the sea is clear and full of life. For fly fishing and spinning, few places in Europe offer this much variety on a single island.
In South-West Sardinia you can fish a lake for black bass in the morning and cast a lure from the rocks of Sant'Antioco in the afternoon. And you can do it in almost every season of the year.
Fishing with a European fly fishing champion
Our fishing holidays are guided by a European sport fishing champion, a fly fishing and spinning specialist who has filmed 26 of Sardinia's 29 navigable reservoirs for Sky TV. Few people know these waters as well: where the fish hold in each season, which fly or lure works, how the water changes after a windy day.
He has hosted German and Japanese anglers on trips of 7 to 10 days, and he adapts every day to the level of the group: from the experienced fly fisher looking for a big bass to the angler who wants to learn a new technique.
Black bass in Sardinia: the American F1 strain
The black bass of Sardinia's lakes are the American F1 strain: big heads, powerful fights and an impressive appetite. Thanks to the mild climate they stay active almost all year round, while in much of mainland Europe bass slow down as soon as the water gets cold.
This is why many anglers call Sardinia a little America for black bass. The fish feed in the shallows, under the reeds and along the drowned trees, and they take both flies and lures.
Where we fish: lakes, rivers and sea
The lakes of the Sulcis, in the south west, are full of bass and offer constant action, perfect for the first days of a trip. In the centre and north of the island, Lake Omodeo, the largest in Sardinia, and Lake Coghinas are a dedicated extension for anglers looking for bigger fish.
Along the rivers you fish on foot, in waders during the colder months, moving quietly along the banks. In summer the river carp cruise at the surface and can be caught on the fly with small bread flies: a fight of 2 to 4 kilos on a light rod is something you do not forget.
At sea we fish the rocky coasts of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro, two islands known for their wild coastline. Here spinning is the protagonist, with amberjack, barracuda and dorado depending on the season, while on the right days you can also try the fly with streamers for barracuda.
Fly fishing and spinning, from the boat and from the shore
This is not boat-only fishing. On the lakes you fish from bass boats with echo sounder and live well, or from belly boats, gliding silently into the bays. At sea you cast from the boat along the reefs. And whenever the spot deserves it, you fish on foot, from the shore, the rocks and the river banks.
Fly fishing comes first for many of our guests, and most fly anglers bring their own rods. For spinning, and for anyone travelling light, premium tackle can be rented on request: rods, reels, lures, flies, line and pliers. All you need is a backpack.
When to come: fishing in Sardinia all year round
Spring and autumn are the most complete seasons, with active bass in the lakes and good spinning at sea. Summer brings surface action, carp on the fly and long evenings on the water. Winter, with its mild days, is a great time for anyone who wants to fish when the rest of Europe is frozen. When the mistral blows hard, we simply change spot or move the day.
A fishing holiday, not just a fishing day
We design multi-day trips for small groups, from 4 anglers and 4 fishing days. You stay in a glamping in the countryside of the Sulcis, among vineyards, with spacious tents, a bar and breakfast, and a rental car to move between lakes and coast.
Between one fishing day and the next you can add a traditional Sardinian dinner, an off-road excursion to hidden coves, a horse ride or a private boat trip along the coast. Prices are on request and depend on the number of anglers, the dates and the programme.
Fishing licence and rules
To fish in Sardinia's lakes and rivers you need a regional freshwater fishing licence, and some areas have specific rules. We give you all the details when you book. We practise and encourage catch and release, especially for the larger fish.
Looking for big fish at sea instead? Read our guide to big game fishing in Alghero.
Frequently asked questions about fly fishing in Sardinia
Can you fly fish in Sardinia?
Yes. Sardinia offers fly fishing for black bass in the lakes, for carp in the rivers in summer and, on the right days, for barracuda at sea, with a European fly fishing champion as your guide.
Where is the best black bass fishing in Sardinia?
The lakes of the Sulcis in the south west offer the most constant action, while Lake Omodeo and Lake Coghinas are the place for bigger fish.
When is the best time for black bass in Sardinia?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, but thanks to the mild climate Sardinian black bass stay active almost all year round.
Do I need my own tackle?
No. Fly anglers usually bring their own rods, but premium tackle for spinning and fly fishing can be rented on request.
How much does a fishing holiday in Sardinia cost?
The price is on request: it depends on the number of anglers, the days and the services you choose. Write to us on WhatsApp at +39 389 341 6165 and we will send you a tailor-made proposal.