2015

Angling Season Begins

Angling season opened May 1, and will last until the first ice begins to form on lakes and rivers in Latvia. JSC "Latvian State Forests" expert Kristaps Didže recommends several excellent fishing locations, and reminds everyone – when going fishing, be sure to bring an ID, fishing map, and a measuring tape for the catch.

"The measuring tape will come in handy to make sure the catch is worth keeping. If the fish is shorter than 50 centimeters, when measuring from the fish's nose to the end of its tail, the fishers are obliged to release them back in the water. Fishers are allowed to keep five pikes. The size and number of perches is not prescribed, however, the total weight of the catch must be below 5 kilograms," says Didže.

A fishing map is required when fishing in any Latvian reservoir; furthermore, it concerns not only anglers, but also fishermen. The map is valid only with an ID. The said regulation does not apply to persons younger than 16 or older 65, as well as disabled people. Legal fishing spots require a license for a specific reservoir, which can be acquired from the fishing organizer. The acquired funds are further invested to improve the territory and increase the fish stocks.

In order to find fish, K. Didze suggests visiting lakes managed by LVM, as Latvian state forests offer many spots abundant with fish.

• When looking for pike, one can visit Kanieris Lake or Lielauce Lake. The shorelines have docks with 43 boats available for rental. The most popular fish in Kanieris Lake is pike, followed by tench, roach, rudd, bream, crucian carp, golden carp, and perch. The lake's fish stock is increased every year, not only artificially, but also naturally, allowing the fish to enter the lake from the sea, using a sluice gateway.
• In order to catch perch, the expert suggests visiting Gulbji Lake, which is located near the tourism and recreation center "Spare". Boat and water bike rental is also available.
• Those who enjoy catching carp, are urged to visit the Tervete reservoir, where carp stocks are regularly increased. Last season, a perch weighing 1.5 kilograms and a pike weighing 10 kilograms were caught there. The largest carp was lured out at the beginning of 2015 – its weight exceeded 17 kilograms!
• Zebrus Lake is home to breams and eels. Catching breams from a boat is said to be a very interesting activity! Meanwhile, Lielauce Lake is home to very many crayfish, and as of July 1, fishers will be able to receive crayfish catching licenses.

"When being waterside at sunrise, observing how nature, birds, and animals are waking up, the fisherman becomes a witness to colorful experiences and emotions, which cannot be seen in any urban area. The catch gives satisfaction about the accomplishment, as well as serves as a delicious addition to the lunch table. This is why we are trying to make the fishing experience at LVM-run bases as pleasant as possible, restoring the fish stocks in reservoirs and making the fishing spots as convenient as possible," says LVM's expert.