There is fishing for trout, eel, and agoni, a type of herring, but pollution has much reduced the fish population. The lake is famous for the natural beauty of its setting and for the handsome villas on its shores.

Yes, eels (Anguilla anguilla) are a native and significant species in Lake Como, Italy, as of 2026. These European eels are part of a ancient migratory cycle; they live in the deep, clean waters of the lake and its surrounding tributaries before eventually migrating back to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. Historically, eels have been a staple of the local Larian cuisine, often prepared marinated (in carpione) or grilled. In 2026, while the eel population in many European lakes has faced a decline due to pollution and hydropower dams, Lake Como's deep environment still supports a resilient population. Local fishermen frequently target eels during the summer and autumn months. If you are dining at a traditional lakeside "trattoria" in Bellagio or Varenna, you will likely see eel featured on the menu as a delicacy, reflecting the deep culinary heritage associated with the lake's diverse freshwater ecosystem.