Ban on salmon and sea trout fishing begins September 16

A ban on fishing for salmon and sea trout takes effect on Wednesday and will remain in force until the end of the year to protect spawning fish, LRT reported, citing the Environment Ministry.

From Tuesday until October 15, anglers fishing in designated river sections must carry a recreational fishing permit for salmon and sea trout, regardless of which fish they are targeting or how they are fishing.

The requirement does not apply to people with the right to fish free of charge or to those catching striped or tagged crayfish using traps or crayfish scoops.

People with the right to fish free of charge may fish in these river sections without a permit during this period only if they do not use artificial bait or live fish. Fishing is also prohibited in these sections more than one hour after sunset or more than one hour before sunrise.

From September 16 to October 15, fishing will be completely prohibited in specific river sections listed in the regulations. From September 16 to December 31, the use of artificial bait or live fish will also be prohibited on the Neris in Vilnius, in the stretch between the Žirmūnai and Valakupiai bridges.

The ministry stressed that all salmon and sea trout caught in autumn must be released, even when anglers hold a recreational fishing permit. Keeping a salmon or sea trout is permitted from January 1 to April 30 with a permit valid during that period.

The Environment Ministry said proper release techniques help reduce injuries to caught fish and support the natural recovery of fish stocks. Anglers are advised to use a landing net, wet their hands before handling a fish and keep it out of the water for as little time as possible. When releasing it, they should hold the fish facing upstream until it regains strength and swims away.

Fishing is also prohibited from July 1 to December 1 in sections of the Nemunas important for salmon, as specified in the rules for recreational fishing in inland waters.