Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Fishing calendar
Fishing calendar based on Cabinet Regulation No. 800. Dates are grouped by season, species and waterbody so anglers can quickly see what changes during the year.
Based on Cabinet Regulation No. 800, wording in force from 10.01.2026. For licensed waters and municipal regulations, always verify the local conditions before fishing.
Current rules at a glance
Use this page as a fast orientation tool, not as a replacement for the official legal text.
Active today
16
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Special waters
16. Mar - 31. May
A ban applies on the Aiviekste from 16 March to 31 May
Special waters
1. Apr - 31. May
A ban applies on selected stretches in the Lielupe basin from 1 April to 31 May
Species closure
16. Apr - 31. May
Zander may not be kept from 16 April to 31 May
Special waters
1. May - 31. May
A ban applies on the Daugava, Buļļupe and Loču Canal from 1 May to 31 May
Upcoming changes
6
National
1. Jun - 31. Jul
Turbot may not be kept from 1 June to 31 July
National
1. Sep - 30. Nov
Brown trout may not be kept from 1 September to 30 November
National
1. Oct - 15. Nov
In the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, salmon and sea trout may not be kept from 1 October to 15 November
National
1. Oct - 30. Nov
Whitefish and vendace may not be kept from 1 October to 30 November
Regional
1. Oct - 31. Dec
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Nov
A large river group is closed from 1 October to 30 November
Monthly overview for anglers
Top recurring changes for 2026 by month. Includes nationwide bans, canals, special river stretches and cross-year restrictions.
January
National: 11 · Regional: 3
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
February
National: 12 · Regional: 3
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Feb - 30. Apr
Grayling may not be kept from 1 February to 30 April
March
National: 18 · Regional: 5
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Feb - 30. Apr
Grayling may not be kept from 1 February to 30 April
Species closure
1. Mar - 15. May
Asp may not be kept from 1 March to 15 May
Species closure
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Pike may not be kept from 1 March to 30 April
Method restriction
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Fishing from boats in inland waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Method restriction
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Using fish as bait is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Special waters
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Fishing in designated canals and connecting waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Spearfishing restriction
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Spearfishing in inland waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Special waters
16. Mar - 15. May
A ban applies near the Aiviekste sluices in Lake Lubāns from 16 March to 15 May
Special waters
16. Mar - 31. May
A ban applies on the Aiviekste from 16 March to 31 May
April
National: 19 · Regional: 6
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Special waters
1. Jan - 30. Apr
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Feb - 30. Apr
Grayling may not be kept from 1 February to 30 April
Species closure
1. Mar - 15. May
Asp may not be kept from 1 March to 15 May
Species closure
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Pike may not be kept from 1 March to 30 April
Method restriction
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Fishing from boats in inland waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Method restriction
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Using fish as bait is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Special waters
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Fishing in designated canals and connecting waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Spearfishing restriction
1. Mar - 30. Apr
Spearfishing in inland waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Special waters
16. Mar - 15. May
A ban applies near the Aiviekste sluices in Lake Lubāns from 16 March to 15 May
Special waters
16. Mar - 31. May
A ban applies on the Aiviekste from 16 March to 31 May
Special waters
1. Apr - 31. May
A ban applies on selected stretches in the Lielupe basin from 1 April to 31 May
Species closure
16. Apr - 31. May
Zander may not be kept from 16 April to 31 May
May
National: 13 · Regional: 5
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Mar - 15. May
Asp may not be kept from 1 March to 15 May
Special waters
16. Mar - 15. May
A ban applies near the Aiviekste sluices in Lake Lubāns from 16 March to 15 May
Special waters
16. Mar - 31. May
A ban applies on the Aiviekste from 16 March to 31 May
Special waters
1. Apr - 31. May
A ban applies on selected stretches in the Lielupe basin from 1 April to 31 May
Species closure
16. Apr - 31. May
Zander may not be kept from 16 April to 31 May
Special waters
1. May - 31. May
A ban applies on the Daugava, Buļļupe and Loču Canal from 1 May to 31 May
June
National: 12 · Regional: 1
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Crayfish restriction
1. Jan - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Jun - 31. Jul
Turbot may not be kept from 1 June to 31 July
July
National: 11 · Regional: 1
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Jun - 31. Jul
Turbot may not be kept from 1 June to 31 July
August
National: 10 · Regional: 1
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
September
National: 11 · Regional: 1
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Sep - 30. Nov
Brown trout may not be kept from 1 September to 30 November
October
National: 14 · Regional: 6
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Sep - 30. Nov
Brown trout may not be kept from 1 September to 30 November
Species closure
1. Oct - 15. Nov
In the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, salmon and sea trout may not be kept from 1 October to 15 November
Species closure
1. Oct - 30. Nov
Whitefish and vendace may not be kept from 1 October to 30 November
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Oct - 30. Nov
A large river group is closed from 1 October to 30 November
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
On many stretches from 1 October to 31 December only natural-bait fishing is allowed
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Selected rivers are closed from 1 October to 31 December
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
November
National: 14 · Regional: 6
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Species closure
1. Sep - 30. Nov
Brown trout may not be kept from 1 September to 30 November
Species closure
1. Oct - 15. Nov
In the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, salmon and sea trout may not be kept from 1 October to 15 November
Species closure
1. Oct - 30. Nov
Whitefish and vendace may not be kept from 1 October to 30 November
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Oct - 30. Nov
A large river group is closed from 1 October to 30 November
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
On many stretches from 1 October to 31 December only natural-bait fishing is allowed
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Selected rivers are closed from 1 October to 31 December
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
December
National: 11 · Regional: 5
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Species closure
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
Method restriction
1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Special waters
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Reporting duty
1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
Reporting duty
10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
On many stretches from 1 October to 31 December only natural-bait fishing is allowed
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Selected rivers are closed from 1 October to 31 December
Special waters
1. Oct - 31. Dec
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Crayfish restriction
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
Minimum sizes and keep limits
This block shows the minimum legal size and the baseline keep limit by species. Seasonal closures from the calendar still apply on top of that.
Salmon
Law reference: 16.5; 18.1; 23.2
Minimum size
60 cm
Keep limit
1 fish per day in permitted waters.
Where keeping is allowed
Keeping is allowed only in coastal waters, the Buļļupe, the Dry Daugava, the Daugava up to Riga HPP and licensed fishing waters.
Seasonal closures
- Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round 1. Jan - 31. Dec
- In the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, salmon and sea trout may not be kept from 1 October to 15 November 1. Oct - 15. Nov
Catfish
Law reference: 16.14; 18.1
Minimum size
60 cm
Keep limit
Up to 3 fish per day.
Pike
Law reference: 16.6; 18.2; 23.4
Minimum size
50 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day, and only one of them may exceed 75 cm.
Seasonal closures
- Pike may not be kept from 1 March to 30 April 1. Mar - 30. Apr
Sea trout
Law reference: 16.18; 18.2; 23.2
Minimum size
50 cm
Keep limit
1 fish per day in permitted waters.
Where keeping is allowed
Keeping is allowed only in coastal waters, the Buļļupe, the Dry Daugava, the Daugava up to Riga HPP and licensed fishing waters.
Seasonal closures
- Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round 1. Jan - 31. Dec
- In the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, salmon and sea trout may not be kept from 1 October to 15 November 1. Oct - 15. Nov
Eel
Law reference: 16.23; 18.2
Minimum size
50 cm
Keep limit
Usually 1 fish per day, but up to 3 fish per day in certain lakes.
Asp
Law reference: 16.13; 18.3; 23.5
Minimum size
45 cm
Keep limit
Up to 3 fish per day.
Seasonal closures
- Asp may not be kept from 1 March to 15 May 1. Mar - 15. May
Zander
Law reference: 16.22; 18.3; 23.6
Minimum size
45 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day, and only one of them may exceed 75 cm.
Seasonal closures
- Zander may not be kept from 16 April to 31 May 16. Apr - 31. May
Brown trout
Law reference: 16.17; 18.4; 23.8
Minimum size
35 cm
Keep limit
1 fish per day.
Seasonal closures
- Brown trout may not be kept from 1 September to 30 November 1. Sep - 30. Nov
Cod
Law reference: 16.8; 18.4
Minimum size
35 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day.
Burbot
Law reference: 16.19; 18.4
Minimum size
35 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day.
Turbot
Law reference: 16.1; 18.5; 23.7
Minimum size
30 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day.
Seasonal closures
- Turbot may not be kept from 1 June to 31 July 1. Jun - 31. Jul
Grayling
Law reference: 16.3; 18.5; 23.3
Minimum size
30 cm
Keep limit
1 fish per day.
Seasonal closures
- Grayling may not be kept from 1 February to 30 April 1. Feb - 30. Apr
Ide
Law reference: 16.4; 18.5
Minimum size
30 cm
Keep limit
Up to 3 fish per day.
Chub
Law reference: 16.15; 18.5
Minimum size
30 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day.
Whitefish
Law reference: 16.16; 18.5; 23.9
Minimum size
30 cm
Keep limit
Up to 3 fish per day.
Seasonal closures
- Whitefish and vendace may not be kept from 1 October to 30 November 1. Oct - 30. Nov
Vimba
Law reference: 16.21; 18.5
Minimum size
30 cm, except in the Daugava upstream from Riga HPP where no minimum size is set.
Keep limit
Up to 7 fish per day.
Tench
Law reference: 16.7; 18.6
Minimum size
25 cm
Keep limit
Up to 5 fish per day.
Perch
Law reference: 16.2; 18.7
Minimum size
19 cm only in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga waters.
Keep limit
Up to 5 kg per day in inland waters and up to 10 kg per day in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga.
Vendace
Law reference: 16.11; 18.8; 23.9
Minimum size
16 cm
Keep limit
Up to 20 fish per day.
Seasonal closures
- Whitefish and vendace may not be kept from 1 October to 30 November 1. Oct - 30. Nov
Nationwide seasonal rules
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Lampreys may not be kept all year round
Lampreys may not be retained in recreational fishing, crayfishing or spearfishing catches throughout the year.
Law reference: 23.1
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Salmon and sea trout may not be kept in inland waters all year round
Exceptions apply only to the Buļļupe, the Dry Daugava, the Daugava up to Riga HPP and licensed fishing waters.
Law reference: 23.2.1
Exception: Exception: Buļļupe, the Dry Daugava, the Daugava from the sea upstream to Riga HPP, and licensed fishing waters.
Method restriction
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing from bridges and under bridge structures is prohibited all year round
Fish may not be taken from bridges or from beneath bridge structures at any time of year.
Law reference: 26.3
Method restriction
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing gear and hook limits must be observed
In inland waters, one person may use two fishing rods at the same time, each with no more than three hooks. On the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga coast, three rods are allowed, while at least two nautical miles offshore the number of rods is not limited; the three-hook limit per rod still applies.
Law reference: 13.1; 13.2
Method restriction
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
You may not move more than 50 metres away from your fishing gear
While fishing, a person may not be farther than 50 metres from their gear.
Law reference: 15.6
Special waters
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken in river and canal mouth areas all year round
The ban applies in the mouth areas of rivers and canals flowing into the sea, both seaward and 200 metres upstream, subject to the specific exceptions for shore fishing and permitted sea-side piers in the rules.
Law reference: 26.1
Special waters
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, dams and sluices
Fishing is prohibited all year round within 100 metres downstream of waterfalls, spillways, dams and sluices.
Law reference: 26.2
Special waters
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fish may not be taken within 50 metres of commercial fishing gear and fishways
Fishing, crayfishing and spearfishing are prohibited closer than 50 metres to properly marked commercial fishing gear, fish-farm cages and fishway structures.
Law reference: 26.4
Reporting duty
Recurring period: 1. Jan - 31. Dec
Fishing requires a valid card, and licensed waters also require a licence
A recreational fishing, crayfishing and spearfishing card is required for everyone except persons younger than 16, older than 65, and persons with disabilities. Licensed waters additionally require a valid licence.
Law reference: 2.; 3.
Reporting duty
Recurring period: 10. Jan - 31. Dec
Coastal catches in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga must be reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv
Catches of selected species in coastal waters must be registered and reported on makskeresanaskarte.lv.
Law reference: 11.5
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Feb - 30. Apr
Grayling may not be kept from 1 February to 30 April
The retention ban for grayling applies in all waters during this period.
Law reference: 23.3
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Mar - 15. May
Asp may not be kept from 1 March to 15 May
The retention ban for asp applies during this period.
Law reference: 23.5
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Mar - 30. Apr
Pike may not be kept from 1 March to 30 April
The retention ban for pike applies in all waters during this period.
Law reference: 23.4
Method restriction
Recurring period: 1. Mar - 30. Apr
Fishing from boats in inland waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Fishing from boats and other floating craft is not allowed in this period in all waters except the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
Law reference: 24.1
Exception: Exception: the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
Method restriction
Recurring period: 1. Mar - 30. Apr
Using fish as bait is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Using fish as bait in this period is not allowed in any waters.
Law reference: 25
Exception: Exception: the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
Special waters
Recurring period: 1. Mar - 30. Apr
Fishing in designated canals and connecting waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
The ban applies to canals and connecting waterways listed in Annex 2.1.
Law reference: 24.2; 2.1 pielikums
Spearfishing restriction
Recurring period: 1. Mar - 30. Apr
Spearfishing in inland waters is prohibited from 1 March to 30 April
Spearfishing is not allowed in this period in all waters.
Law reference: 41
Exception: Exception: coastal waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, and licensed spearfishing waters.
Species closure
Recurring period: 16. Apr - 31. May
Zander may not be kept from 16 April to 31 May
The retention ban for zander applies in all waters during this period.
Law reference: 23.6
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Jun - 31. Jul
Turbot may not be kept from 1 June to 31 July
The retention ban for turbot applies during this summer period.
Law reference: 23.7
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Sep - 30. Nov
Brown trout may not be kept from 1 September to 30 November
The retention ban for brown trout applies during this period.
Law reference: 23.8
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Oct - 15. Nov
In the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, salmon and sea trout may not be kept from 1 October to 15 November
The retention ban applies in coastal waters during this period.
Law reference: 23.2.2
Exception: Exception: the Gulf of Riga area from Vecāķi to Vaivari between the specified perpendiculars down to a depth of 20 metres.
Species closure
Recurring period: 1. Oct - 30. Nov
Whitefish and vendace may not be kept from 1 October to 30 November
The retention ban for whitefish and vendace applies during this period.
Law reference: 23.9
Crayfish restriction
Recurring period: 1. Oct - 30. Jun
Broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish may not be taken from 1 October to 30 June
The closed season for broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish crosses the calendar year.
Law reference: 32.2
Exception: Crayfish females with visible eggs may not be taken all year round.
Special waters and regional periods
Start planning by month, then open the detailed rule groups below.
Regional
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
6
Regional
1. Jan - 31. Dec
On selected stretches fish may be taken only in licensed fishing waters
Fishing is allowed on these stretches or waters only where licensed fishing has been organised in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Waters included
- Aiviekste — 500 metres downstream from the Aiviekste HPP dam
- Brasla — 1000 metres downstream from the Brasla HPP dam
- Daugava — 700 metres downstream from Riga HPP, 1000 metres downstream from Ķegums HPP and 1000 metres downstream from Pļaviņas HPP
- Salaca — entire length
- Mērsrags Canal — entire length
- Venta — 500 metres downstream from the Venta rapid in Kuldīga and 200 metres upstream
Law reference: 27.1.-27.6.
Regional
16. Mar - 15. May
A ban applies near the Aiviekste sluices in Lake Lubāns from 16 March to 15 May
1
Regional
16. Mar - 15. May
A ban applies near the Aiviekste sluices in Lake Lubāns from 16 March to 15 May
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited in the specified part of Lake Lubāns.
Waters included
- Lake Lubāns — the first 100 metres in the lake from the Aiviekste sluices
Law reference: 3. pielikums, 13.1
Regional
16. Mar - 31. May
A ban applies on the Aiviekste from 16 March to 31 May
1
Regional
16. Mar - 31. May
A ban applies on the Aiviekste from 16 March to 31 May
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited on the specified stretch of the Aiviekste.
Waters included
- Aiviekste — from the mouth of the Veseta (new channel) upstream to the Aiviekste HPP dam
Law reference: 3. pielikums, 1.
Regional
1. Apr - 31. May
A ban applies on selected stretches in the Lielupe basin from 1 April to 31 May
5
Regional
1. Apr - 31. May
A ban applies on selected stretches in the Lielupe basin from 1 April to 31 May
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited on the specified river stretches and connectors.
Waters included
- Lielupe — from the Staļģene bridge upstream to the confluence of the Mūsa and Mēmele below Bauska Castle ruins
- Mēmele — from the mouth to the pedestrian bridge in Bauska
- Mūsa — from the mouth to the bridge near the motorsport complex
- Slocene (Pulkaine) — between Lake Valgums and Lake Kaņieris
- Vecslocene and Slocene — between Lake Sloka and the Lielupe
Law reference: 3. pielikums, 77.–81.
Regional
1. May - 31. May
A ban applies on the Daugava, Buļļupe and Loču Canal from 1 May to 31 May
3
Regional
1. May - 31. May
A ban applies on the Daugava, Buļļupe and Loču Canal from 1 May to 31 May
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited on the specified stretches around Riga.
Waters included
- Buļļupe — entire length
- Daugava — from the mouth in the Gulf of Riga upstream for six kilometres to the former high-voltage crossing within Riga
- Loču Canal — entire length
Law reference: 3. pielikums, 7., 8.1., 8.2.
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Apr
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
1
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Apr
A ban applies in the northern dam zone of Lake Lubāns from 1 October to 30 April
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited in the specified part of the lake.
Waters included
- Lake Lubāns — the area adjoining the northern dam, 1400 metres along the shore and 600 metres into the lake from shore
Law reference: 3. pielikums, 13.2
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Nov
A large river group is closed from 1 October to 30 November
63
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Nov
A large river group is closed from 1 October to 30 November
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited on the specified stretches or entire rivers according to Annex 3.
Waters included
- Akaviņa — entire length
- Alūksne — entire length
- Arona — entire length
- Bērzaune — entire length
- Bērzene — entire length
- Ievedne — entire length
- Līčupe — entire length
- Nāruža — entire length
- Pietēnupe — entire length
- Sumulda — entire length
- Taukātne — entire length
- Taleja — entire length
- Vedze — entire length
- Veseta — downstream from the bridge at Lejaskrogs in Vietalva
- Virgulica — entire length
- Azanda — entire length
- Egļupe — entire length
- Grūbe — from the mouth in Kumada upstream to the Vidzeme (Pskov) highway
- Īģe — entire length
- Inčupe — entire length
- Jogla — from the mouth in the Salaca to the confluence of the Zonape
- Jugla (Brasla tributary) — entire length
- Karogupīte — entire length
- Korģe — entire length
- Kurliņupe — entire length
- Ķirele — entire length
- Ķīšupe — entire length
- Lorupe — from the mouth in the Gauja to Anciči pond
- Liepupe — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the Tallinn highway
- Noriņa — entire length
- Nurmižupīte — from the mouth in the Gauja to the dam
- Mazupīte — from the mouth in the Aģe to road P53
- Melnupe — entire length
- Piģele — entire length
- Pērļupe — entire length
- Rauza — entire length
- Ramata — entire length
- Skaļupe — entire length
- Šepka — entire length
- Talīte — from the mouth in the Rauna to road P28
- Vecpalsa — entire length
- Vējupīte — from the mouth in the Gauja to highway A2
- Vilaune — entire length
- Vildoga — entire length
- Vizla — from the mouth in the Gauja upstream to the Vizla HPP dam
- Zaķupīte — entire length
- Apše — from the mouth in the Venta to the Ruņa confluence at P114
- Ciecere — from the mouth in the Venta upstream to the Pakuļi reservoir dam
- Dzelda — entire length
- Koja — entire length
- Lāčupīte — entire length
- Lētīža — entire length
- Lorumupe — entire length
- Melnsilupe — entire length
- Mellsilsupe — entire length
- Mellupīte — entire length
- Ruņa — from the mouth in the Apše to the Dakterišķe confluence
- Svente — from the mouth in the Abava to road V1402
- Šķērvelis — entire length
- Valgale — from the mouth in the Abava upstream to the bridge in Valgale village
- Vanka — from the mouth in the Užava to Ēdole mill
- Vēždūka — entire length
- Virbupe (Kārone) — entire length
Law reference: 3. pielikums
Regional
1. Oct - 31. Dec
On many stretches from 1 October to 31 December only natural-bait fishing is allowed
19
Regional
1. Oct - 31. Dec
On many stretches from 1 October to 31 December only natural-bait fishing is allowed
On these stretches the general closure still applies, but the rules provide an exception for fishing with natural bait.
Exception: Exception: fishing with natural bait.
Waters included
- Lielā Jugla — upstream to the Ropaži HPP dam
- Mazā Jugla — upstream to the Dobelnieki HPP dam
- Mergupe — entire length
- Gauja — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the highway bridge in Strenči
- Vitrupe — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the bridge at Ķirbiži
- Abava — from the mouth in the Venta upstream to the Abava rapid
- Durbe — entire length
- Ēda — from the mouth of the Ēda in the Venta to the bridge on road P108
- Irbe — entire length
- Ostupe — entire length
- Raķupe — entire length
- Rinda — entire length
- Rīva — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the bridge in Rīva village
- Roja — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the Lubes Mill dam
- Saka — entire length
- Stende — entire length
- Tebra — from its confluence with the Saka to the dam in Aizpute
- Užava — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the bridge at Tērande
- Venta — from the bridge at Zlēkas upstream to the Latvia-Lithuania border
Law reference: 3. pielikums
Regional
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Selected rivers are closed from 1 October to 31 December
18
Regional
1. Oct - 31. Dec
Selected rivers are closed from 1 October to 31 December
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited on the specified stretches without any extra natural-bait exception.
Waters included
- Ķekava — from the mouth in the Daugava to the dam
- Aģe — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the Aģe HPP dam
- Amata — from the mouth in the Gauja upstream to the reservoir dam at Kārļi
- Brasla — from the mouth in the Gauja upstream to the Brasla HPP dam
- Gauja — from Strenči bridge to the Paideri HPP dam
- Jaunupe — entire length
- Kumada — from the mouth in the Amata upstream to the Vidzeme (Pskov) highway
- Lenčupe — from the mouth in the Gauja to the Kalna Mill dam
- Loja — from the mouth in the Gauja upstream to the Katrīndzirnavas HPP dam
- Līgatne — from the mouth in the Gauja upstream to the Šķēpeļi Mill dam
- Pēterupe — entire length
- Rauna — from the mouth in the Gauja upstream to the mill dam in Rauna
- Raunis — from the mouth in the Rauna upstream to the Vidzeme (Pskov) highway
- Strīķupe — entire length
- Svētupe — from the mouth in the sea upstream to the bridge over the Svētupe on the road to Ērgļu Bog
- Vaidava — from the state border to the Grūbe HPP
- Vaive — from the mouth in the Rauna upstream to the Vaive Mill dam
- Bārta — from the Lithuania-Latvia border to the mouth in Lake Liepāja
Law reference: 3. pielikums
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Apr
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
1
Regional
1. Oct - 30. Apr
The Rēzekne River is closed from 1 October to 30 April
Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited on the specified stretch.
Exception: Exception: fishing from shore and from ice.
Waters included
- Rēzekne River — from its mouth at Lake Lubāns upstream to the bridge near the settlement of Žogoti
Law reference: 3. pielikums, 20.
Official source
Applies every year unless the law is amended.
Regulations on Recreational Fishing, Crayfishing and Spearfishing Nr. 800 · Based on Cabinet Regulation No. 800, wording in force from 10.01.2026. For licensed waters and municipal regulations, always verify the local conditions before fishing.