Lithuania implements fishing bans to protect migratory salmonid fish

New fishing restrictions have come into effect in Lithuania to protect migratory and spawning salmonid fish in key rivers. Effective October 1, the ban applies to specific inland waters designated under amateur fishing regulations.

The restrictions remain in place until December 31. This includes areas in Merkyne above the Ožkelaičiai bridge, where amateur fishing cards for grayling will not be issued during this period.

Specific regulations for salmon protection are also active from September 16 to October 15. In designated river stretches, fishing without an amateur fishing card is prohibited. Additionally, fishing is banned more than one hour after sunset or more than one hour before sunrise.

The Neris River is heavily affected by these rules. To protect fish migrating upstream toward the Vilnius river, fishing is prohibited on the Neris from the Mindaugas the Great Bridge to the Žirmūnai Bridge. In other sections of the Neris, such as between the Žirmūnai and Valakupių bridges in Vilnius, the use of artificial lures or bait is prohibited from September 16 to December 31.