Environmental officers remind that from September 1 to October 15, all caught salmon and sea trout must be released back into the water body. The possibility to take caught salmon or sea trout will remain only after the spawning of these fish – from January 1 to April 30.
In 2025, the Environmental Protection Department officers conducted 207 raids, during which they checked 1,847 amateur fishermen and 14 commercial fishermen. Of the 129 violations identified, the majority were violations of regulations governing amateur fishing, of which 32% were serious violations. The total environmental damage in 2025 amounted to 47,560 euros.
The results of annual raids show that the protection of salmon and sea trout is necessary, especially during their migration and spawning period. Fishing restrictions are applied to preserve salmon and sea trout resources. The death of female salmon or sea trout during migration or spawning can significantly reduce the population of these fish. During migration, these fish face many obstacles, such as dams and hydroelectric power plants. Moreover, salmon are very vulnerable while protecting their spawning grounds because they tend not to leave them.
Officers will organize raids in autumn, continue monitoring commercial fishing, and check amateur fishermen. Officers will stop and inspect vehicles of persons suspected of violating fishing regulations.
“Serious fishing violations are not just rule-breaking. They cause damage to our rivers, lakes, and fish resources, which we must preserve not only for today but also for future generations. Therefore, special attention will be given to such violations. Officers will monitor possible illegal fishing sites, using drones and thermal imagers. It will be checked whether prohibited fishing methods and tools are not used, and whether fishing is not conducted in prohibited places and during forbidden periods,” says Mantė Ramanauskienė, Director of the Wildlife Protection Department.
As M. Ramanauskienė notes: “Every caught fish has its place in nature. Natural resources are not inexhaustible. What we lose today may not return tomorrow. Let us protect our waters so that life remains in them not only for us but also for those who come after us.”
Consultations and information for fishermen about salmon and sea trout protection
During raids, environmental officers will aim not only to identify violators and strengthen violation prevention – the Environmental Protection Department will regularly inform the public about fishing rules, restrictions, bans, and requirements applied to salmon and sea trout fishing.
Fishermen are encouraged to consult with Environmental Protection Department specialists on arising questions via the general consultation phone +370 700 02022 or by email at konsultacijos@aad.am.lt. The most important information can also be found on the Environmental Protection Department’s website – in fishing memos.
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How to safely release caught fish
From September 1 to October 15, the principle “catch and release” applies. It is important to properly release the fish back into the same water body so that it has the best chance to survive and successfully continue migration and spawning.
Use a landing net when releasing fish – it helps avoid injuring the fish. To cause even fewer injuries, use a landing net with a rubber mesh.
Handle the fish only with wet hands. If the fish is touched with dry hands, a towel, or a piece of fabric, the mucus that protects against diseases and parasites is wiped off the body. Do not hold fish by the eyes or gills – released fish often do not survive due to injuries in the head area.
Keep the caught fish in the water – in the landing net or gently holding by the tail. A fish taken out of the water thrashes about, wiping off mucus and suffering more injuries. Avoid holding the fish out of water for more than 5 seconds.
Release the fish facing upstream. If the water at the release site is turbid, it is better to move to cleaner water. The fish, moving more actively, will show when it is ready to swim away.
Important dates for salmon and sea trout fishing
- From September 1 to October 15, fishermen must release caught salmon or sea trout back into the same water body.
- From September 16 to October 15, during fishing, it is mandatory to have an amateur fisherman’s card, and the caught catch must be released back into the same water body. Fishing is allowed only in certain water bodies listed in Annex 1 of the Limited Fishing Procedure Description.
- From September 16 to October 15, fishing is prohibited at the mouths of the main tributaries of the Neris, Šventoji, Jūra, and Minija rivers, as provided in Annex 5 of the Amateur Fishing Rules in Inland Waters.
- From July 1 to December 1, fishing is prohibited in important Nemunas River sections for salmon, as specified in the Amateur Fishing Rules in Inland Waters.
- From October 16 to December 31, fishing for salmon and sea trout is prohibited.
- From October 1 to December 31, fishing is prohibited in rivers listed in Annex 2 of the Amateur Fishing Rules in Inland Waters.
- From September 16 to October 15, when fishing in river sections listed in Annex 3 of the Amateur Fishing Rules in Inland Waters, it is mandatory to have an amateur fisherman’s card for salmon and sea trout.
- From October 16 to December 31, amateur fishing is prohibited in river sections listed in Annex 4 of the Amateur Fishing Rules in Inland Waters.
Responsibility
- Using electric or ultrasonic devices in salmon and sea trout fishing carries criminal liability – a fine, restriction of liberty, arrest, or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
- Using prohibited fishing tools or methods in salmon and sea trout fishing carries a fine from 600 to 1,500 euros with confiscation of the tools and means used to commit the violation.
- Violating limited salmon and sea trout fishing measures carries a fine from 250 to 550 euros with confiscation of the tools and means used to commit the violation.
- For illegally caught salmon or sea trout, a base damage calculation rate of 970 euros applies. The amount of compensation for damage caused in natural reserves or ichthyological protected water bodies is calculated by applying triple the base damage calculation rate for fish.
Environmental officers note that a vehicle used to transport prohibited fishing tools and illegally caught fish may be seized and confiscated.
All the most important information about salmon and sea trout fishing can be found in the memo “Salmon and Sea Trout”.
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