2015

Crayfish season begins

The crayfish season resumes in July with a new tone and increasingly more crayfishermen, who are tempted by both the delicious catch and the process itself. JSC "Latvian State Forests" (LVM) welcomes all fishermen to enjoy legal pursuit for crayfish in Lielauce Lake.

The water is so clear and clean that even the capricious crayfish have deemed it a good procreating location. It is important to note that moving about the lake, which is managed by LVM, is permitted only in boats available at the lake's boat center. This is a precautionary measure as boats can carry various diseases that can be harmful to the population of various species. "Fishermen, of course, are allowed to use their own fishing rods and angles. As for boats and crayfish traps - only those that can be rented here," says Guntis, the lake's supervisor, indicating that the limit of crayfish per license is 40. Limitations apply also on the size of the crayfish – if they are smaller than 10 centimeters, they must be released in order to let them grow until the next season. License, boat, and crayfish trap rent altogether cost EUR 70.

Crayfish experts say that there are many places in Latvia suitable for crayfish hunting, however, the largest can be found in Lielauce Lake. Furthermore, they can be cooked right on the shore, and if the road back home is too long, the lake offers four floating lodges which can be approached only by boat. The lake's supervisor has noticed that the lodges are used not only by fishermen, but also by groups, who wish to relax in a unique environment, with fishing only an additional activity. The plan is to expand the recreation area in coming years, by extending the plank floor for extra safety.