Lithuania’s Ministry of Environment has officially enacted significant changes to the country’s inland fishing regulations. These updates, designed to balance ecological health with the growing popularity of sport fishing, introduce a radical shift in how specific species are managed—most notably in the Kaunas Lagoon—and how high-level competitions are conducted.
For international anglers and local hobbyists alike, the most striking change concerns the Kaunas Lagoon. To address an overabundance of cyprinid biomass, the Ministry has removed catch limits for roach, silver bream, and Prussian carp in this specific body of water. Under the new rules, these species will no longer count towards the standard daily catch limit. This decision is rooted in ecological necessity; by reducing the population of these specific fish, environmentalists aim to improve water quality and enhance the feeding conditions for other, more sensitive species.
Unlimited Catch and Ecological Restoration
The strategy of “biomanipulation” is at the heart of the new decree. In many of Lithuania’s inland waters, an excess of bottom-feeding fish can lead to increased turbidity and a decline in aquatic vegetation. To combat this, the Ministry has expanded a list of specific water bodies (found in Annex 7 of the regulations) where the removal of carp-family fish is actively encouraged.
In these designated areas:
* Fishing for carp-family fish (excluding tench) is now free of charge and requires no amateur fishing permit.
* There are no quantity limits on the catch of these species.
* Conversely, predatory fish in these zones are under stricter protection. Anglers are limited to one pike and one zander per session, both of which must be at least 65 cm in length.
* Fishing for predators in these zones is restricted to artificial lures only, with a maximum of one rod per person.
New Standards for Competitive Angling
Recognizing the need to align with international sporting standards, the updated regulations provide much-needed flexibility for high-level fishing competitions. Previously, strict catch-and-release or size limit laws could hinder the formal weighing processes used in international tournaments.
Under the new framework, participants in high-mastery sports competitions—organized by federations that are members of international bodies—may temporarily keep fish that would otherwise be restricted by size or seasonal bans. These fish must be kept alive and healthy until the end of the event, at which point they must be released back into the water. To ensure transparency, organizers must announce the time and location of these events at least 10 working days in advance on the official sports fishing portal (www.sportinezukle.lt). During these windows, the designated areas are reserved exclusively for competition participants.
Technology and Gear Restrictions
The Ministry has also addressed modern fishing technology and gear. One notable change is the relaxation of rules regarding elastic dampers (often used with braided lines to improve shock absorption). The previous 20 cm limit has been doubled to 40 cm. This change acknowledges the practical needs of modern anglers while still preventing the harmful practice of using long elastics to “tension-feed” bait into specific spots, a method deemed damaging to fish stocks.
Furthermore, a new rule targets the use of advanced electronics. Anglers using sonars or fish-finding devices are now subject to a strict “immediate release” policy for all pike and zander caught while the device is in use. This measure aims to prevent the over-exploitation of predator populations through high-tech assistance.
Seasonal Protections for Migratory Species
Conservation efforts have also been bolstered for specific river systems. The Šalčia and Šyša rivers have been added to the list of protected inland waters to safeguard brown trout and sea trout populations.
- Šalčia River: From the mouth to the mouth of the Visinčia.
- Šyša River: Above the Šilutė fish pass.
In these areas, a total fishing ban will be in effect annually from October 1st to December 31st to protect the spawning season. These changes represent a sophisticated approach to fishery management, prioritizing the long-term health of Lithuania’s aquatic ecosystems while providing new opportunities for the angling community.
Source: ELTA
/linkComments