Urban fishing, the trend that is spreading across Italy

It’s called “urban fishing” or “urban fishing”: it’s the curious fashion of fishing in the city that has been conquering Italy.

Imagine after a stressful day at the office, walking to the river or stream near your home and… fishing.

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Who practices the urban fishing is called “streeter”. Mostly young. They are supporters of a growing phenomenon, a trend dictated by Theo Pike, author of the book “Trout in dirty places”. 

In the book, the expert points out the 50 places in the UK where trout can be caught within a short distance of a urban center. It is no coincidence that the “guru” of the new practice is a British river restorer.

The trend was noticed by the association Anbi which brings together recovery consortia, which deal with hydraulic maintenance in Italy, even in residential areas. 

Just like in the UK, in Italy the common aim of urban fishing is to demonstrate that urban rivers are not just for dumping sewage, but places for life.

And the best part: the sport requires little equipment. 

The Italian capital of urban fishing is Adria, in the province of Rovigo, which is crossed by the Canal Bianco, populated by a good diversity of fish.

Urban fishing tournament

In 2016 it happened in Adria the first street fishing tournament, the first in Italy.

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🔴 Supreme Court • May 2026

Standing in line at the consulate doesn't erase your right to citizenship.

The Italian Supreme Court has confirmed that a consular blockade is legal grounds for legal action.

• Were you unable to schedule an appointment at the consulate?
• Is the process stalled or poorly managed?
• Maternal lineage?
• Incomplete documentation?

See if there is still a solution.

Since then, the event has taken place regularly in winter and brings together hundreds of fishermen. 

Florence is also emerging as an urban fishing destination. The site is Mugnone Creek, now suitable thanks to the metamorphosis made possible by careful maintenance carried out by a local consortium.

Over the years, the attitude of fishermen has changed, focusing more on the entertainment aspect and less on catching the fish and returning it to the waters. 

“There is still a lot to do, but the Florentine experience shows that it is possible. The collaboration of everyone on the watercourse is essential, starting with combating illegal dumping”, says Francesco Vincenzi, president of the National Association of Consortiums for the Management and Protection of Territory and Irrigation Waters (Anbi).

To learn more about urban fishing in Italy, visit: streetfishingitalia.it