About Us

The purposes of the Levico Terme Fishermen’s Association (the term “Amateurs” was added later to meet regulatory requirements for such groups, just as “Terme” was added after 1969 following the municipality’s official name change) involve the administration of “fishing rights” in the Levico basin, granted under concession by the Municipality of Levico.

Since the 1960s, the Association has focused on the sustainable management of lake fishing, implementing a true “cultivation” of the waters through the regular restocking of native species. Since 2013, the group has also contributed to obtaining and maintaining the prestigious Blue Flag certification for the lake. Until the 1980s, the association also managed the running waters within the Levico territory (including the Brenta river from its source to Novaledo, the Rio Maggiore, and a significant stretch of the Centa). However, following a reform by the Province of Trento, management of these waters was put out to tender. In a move still remembered with some bitterness in Levico, the “Fersina e Alto Brenta” association unexpectedly won the bid by claiming only one or two more registered members than the Levico group.

Thanks to Arturo Pedrotti, the historic owner of Hotel Du Lac and the La Taverna facility, what is now considered one of Trentino’s most beautiful walks was conceived in the 1950s: the famous “Strada dei Pescatori” (Fishermen’s Road), which placidly follows the entire northern shore of the basin.

Over the years, Augusto Moschen and Lodovico dell’Antonio succeeded Pederzoli as President. However, the most iconic figure—regarded as a “President for life” due to his immense dedication—is Gualtiero “Walter” Pohl, who led the association for over 40 years starting in the 1980s. Currently, the group, which counted about a hundred members in 2025, is led by Walter Arnoldo.

The Association has long organized several fishing competitions on the lake, the most famous being the Arturo Pedrotti Trophy (running for over forty years). Other events honor key figures of the group: the Gianni Nicoletti Memorial, dedicated to the long-time secretary; and the trophy remembering the brothers Bruno “Cocuzza”, Aldo, and Franco Salce, all exceptional fishermen. Other historic members to remember include the unforgettable wardens Ferruccio Valentinotti and Silvano Antoniolli, as well as the recently retired Livio Nicolini.

Among the local anecdotes, one stands out: the extraordinary (and fortunately unique) capture by forest service divers of a female wels catfish carrying two large egg sacs in the Villette area. Had there been a male present, the story of the lake’s fish fauna today would be tragically different. Another must-see natural spectacle is the whitefish spawning (frega dei coregoni), which occurs every mid-December along the “Strada dei Pescatori.” Notably, the whitefish of Levico are renowned as some of the largest in the entire Trentino region. Among the most memorable catches is the massive pike weighing over 16 kilograms, landed by the skilled fisherman Bruno Sbetti.

Beyond fishing, the Association’s duties include the regular monitoring and cleaning of the lakeshore, with a specific focus on reporting any potential pollution risks. Every year, in collaboration with the local primary school, the group organizes a popular Environmental Day to introduce the youth of Levico to the association and the world of fishing.

Currently, President Arnoldo is assisted by a Board of 8 members: Daniele Baratto (Secretary), Aldo Tosi (Vice-President and irreplaceable member for decades), Pierluigi Piazzarollo, Alessandro Pradi, Nicola Libardoni, Rudy Galler, Gianluca Margon, and Domenico Bruzzese.