Perch
Big perch on spinning tackle with finesse techniques: drop-shot, Carolina rig and free rig with soft bait.
Perch · Zander · Pike
Lake Orta fishing guide
I'm Manuel Bonetti, AIGUPP 320/25 certified fishing guide. On Lake Orta, in northern Italy, I take up to three guests out on the boat as a solo guide, fishing for perch, zander and pike. Gear included.
Area18 km²
Max depth143 m
SeasonYear-round
SpeciesPerch · Zander · Pike
01 · The lake
Lake Orta
It is the westernmost of the three and lies entirely in Piedmont, between the provinces of Novara and Verbano Cusio Ossola. Deep, clear water: here I go spinning for big perch with finesse techniques and look for zander with vertical jigging.
You can fish here all year round: on Lake Orta zander has no closed season.
02 · Species
Lake Orta fish species
Zander
Vertical jigging over the deep lake bed: lure dropped under the boat and worked with short jerks.
Pike
Spinning and baitcasting with artificial lures, from the top metres of water down to submerged structure.
I'll advise you on the right season for each species when you book.
03 · Catches
Catches on Lake Orta
04 · The session
How a session works
- Duration
- At least 5 hours. In summer a session can run to 10 hours, in winter to 8. We agree the exact length together when you book.
- On board
- Solo guide, up to three guests. I run the boat: I pick the spots for the season and set up the technique.
- Departure
- We decide the launch point together nearer the time, based on the lake and the conditions on the day. The boat travels on its trailer.
- Gear
- Rods, reels, lures, nets and the catch logbook are on board. You bring weather-appropriate clothing, polarised sunglasses if you have them and your documents for the licences.
- Beginners
- I often work with people on their first sessions. We start from the basics, from casting to landing the catch. You don't need to have fished before.
- Bad weather
- If strong wind or storms make fishing dangerous, we reschedule the session at no cost. I make the call the evening before, based on the forecast.
- Release
- I recommend catch and release for trophy fish, always within the rules of the lake.
05 · Rules
Lake Orta fishing rules and licence (2026)
On Lake Orta, fishing follows the provisions of the Provinces of Novara and Verbano Cusio Ossola. For the species we target:
Perch
- Minimum size
- 18 cm
- Closed season
- 15 March - 31 May
Zander
- Minimum size
- none
- Closed season
- none
Pike
- Minimum size
- 60 cm
- Closed season
- 1 February - 31 March
Until 31 December 2026 pike cannot be kept: it is always released.
You need a fishing licence, the FIPSAS card and the boat fishing permit. I help with the paperwork before the session.
Source: Disposizioni per la pesca del Lago d'Orta delle Province di Novara e del Verbano Cusio Ossola, in vigore dall'8 giugno 2026. Updated as of October 2026.
06 · Questions
Questions about fishing on Lake Orta
Can you fish on Lake Orta?
Yes, from the shore and from a boat. From a boat you need a fishing licence, the FIPSAS card and the boat fishing permit. I help with the paperwork before the session.
When is perch season on Lake Orta?
Outside the closed season, which runs from 15 March to 31 May. Zander has no closed season: you can fish for it all year round.
Is it a fishing charter?
I run the boat, as on a charter, but you are booking a fishing guide: I pick the spots for the season, set up the technique and we handle the catch together.
07 · Book
Book a session on Lake Orta
Message me on WhatsApp with the date and the species you're after. In the warm months book two weeks ahead. I reply within 24 hours.
08 · Lakes
The other lakes
- Lake Maggiore fishing guide
Pike · Perch · Wels catfish
- Lake Varese fishing guide
Pike · Zander · Wels catfish · Largemouth bass