Not the first outing this season, but the weather's been unruly, putting my fishing plans on hold. Finally, spring has graced Lithuania with its radiant sunshine, prompting me to start mapping out regular trips. I pick up where I left off last season, heading to a familiar spot. Upon arrival, I notice two cars already parked—one angler downstream, another likely trekking upstream. I opt to venture further upriver, about 5 kilometers. Swiftly, I prepare my gear and make my way to the river. The water levels are within the normal range, albeit a tad muddy, still suitable for fishing. The start is rather lackluster—cast after cast, no bites, and no trout in sight. I meticulously explore every potential hotspot. About two hours in, I finally get a bite. There's a fallen tree obstructing the river, creating a deeper enclave where the current diligently carves its path beneath the wooden blockade. As my lure passes through a trout elegantly emerges, briefly nudging the minnow, but fails to take the bait. I try once more, with the same frustrating outcome. Three more casts yield nothing. Changing the lure proves futile as well. It appears I squandered my opportunity. Determined, I press onward. Half an hour later, in a stretch of the river that runs straight as an arrow, I successfully hook the first trout of the day—a minuscule 25-centimeter specimen. The Spearhead Ryuki 50S lure did the trick, barely hooking onto its lip. I set it free. I forge ahead, continuously switching lures, but it seems their choice is inconsequential today. What truly matters is locating the trout—they're hungry and ready to strike. Another trout succumbs to the allure of the Ryuki lure, yet again a smaller one. I pause to indulge in a well-deserved lunch break, embracing the opportunity to unwind and savor the crisp freshness of the air. Following my meal, I find myself blessed with the thrill of a significant trout bite. A bend in the river reveals a deep abyss. Poised on a small ledge, I cast my line. The first attempt proves fruitless, but on the second, a colossal trout emerges from the depths, lunges at the lure, splashing on the surface, only to elude capture. I had my chance and squandered it. Unperturbed, I soldier on, reeling in one more modest-sized trout and encountering yet another missed opportunity. The day concludes with a total of six bites and three trout captured in my landing net. I can't help but speculate that larger trout lie upstream. Given the recent warmer days, my intuition tells me they're still in a sluggish state after spawning, nesting comfortably near their breeding grounds.

A week later, the sun blazes overhead, casting its golden glow upon the landscape. The temperature climbs to a pleasant +18 degrees, and the weather presents itself in all its splendid glory. I decide to venture to a river not far from Vilnius, a place I frequented when I first embarked on my trout-fishing journey. In those early days, I tried my luck downstream, but only managed to reel in modest-sized trout. However, that was six or seven years ago. Now, I set my sights on the mid-river section, enticed by the tip from a fellow angler that there are fine trout lurking in that patch. As I venture away from the car, the heat quickly intensifies, enveloping me in its scorching embrace. I pause to shed a few layers, seeking respite from the searing rays. The area proves to be an arduous challenge, with towering grass and knee-high mud that test my every step. Casting becomes a Herculean task amidst these unfavorable conditions. Alas, this patch fails to yield any fruitful results. However, I recall that the forest awaits further upstream, beckoning me with the promise of smoother terrain and greater casting opportunities. And true to my instincts, I am rewarded. As I stand in one particular spot, casting straight ahead, my peripheral vision catches a flicker on the surface—a trout feeding! The river has carved a hollow beneath the bank, concealing a crafty trout below. On my first cast, I receive a bite, but it slips away before I can secure the hook. Undeterred, I try again, and this time the trout takes the bait. It darts towards me, engaging in a final battle as I strive to net my victory. Luck favors me, and I emerge triumphant. The trout measures a respectable 35 centimeters—a prize worth celebrating. I snap a couple of photos to immortalize the moment before releasing it back into the flowing depths. The Major Craft Eden lure proved its worth, providing a sigh of relief that the first catch didn't keep me waiting too long. Considering the late start to my day and an empty stomach devoid of breakfast, I indulge in a satisfying lunch, replenishing my energy for the journey ahead. Energized, I continue my expedition. The scenery undergoes a transformation as more trees come into view. The river transitions from sinuous depths to a broader, more linear course. Cast after cast, I persist, and another trout succumbs to the allure, though smaller in size, it exudes an impressive vigor and plumpness. In hopes of enticing a larger catch, I switch lures, only to find another trout of similar proportions lured by my offering. It swiftly seizes the lure upon landing on the water's surface. Continuing on, another hundred meters pass, but I decide to halt my fishing endeavors as I enter a populated area, where distant figures diligently tend to their springtime chores. The first two out with a collection of fine trout. Now, I eagerly await the arrival of even larger specimens, eager to test my skills against their might.

Satisfied we decide to end the day. On the way back to the car we foraged for some wild mushrooms. A pretty full day in nature.

Mid summer as the heat wave went across Europe the water levels fell. Rivers overgrew with water plants, banks were unreachable due to the thick brush. Warm water made the trout inactive. The heat, flies, mosquitos did the same for me. Also catching trout now was not the good for the health of the fish. Seemed like a good time to turn my attention to chub. A feisty fish met in most Lithuanian rivers. Spent a trip scouting potential sections of river for a upcoming 3 day kayak trip. Small chub up to 30cm and perch were active even in the blistering heat. Good sign. More details on that trip in an upcoming article August started with cooler weather and a bit of rain, hope this trend continues. With some luck this will bring water levels to normal. September is the month that I will be getting back to trout fishing in more known rivers for bigger fish. Hopefully will end the trout fishing season with some big fish.

The location although not far from the city is wild. Start at a pine forest and cross a flowering field to find the river. 2-3meters wide with an average depth of about 50cm. Water is crystal clear, deeper areas have a shade of light blue. Casts are delicate, light, no longer than 5-7meters. Every tree stump, river turn seems great for trout . Was not wrong and bites came straight away. Smaller trout are first to the scene. They keep jabbing the lure. Aggressive, but do not commit to take the lure outright. About an hour in the first trout reaches my net. Not the biggest, but great feeling to find another potential river to relax after a long day at work.

The next 3 hours bites keep coming, seems larger trout are also interested. I soak in the fresh, spring air, sunshine and nature. I put the smallest spoon I have. With the thought that hook ups would increase. And soon enough a decent trout strikes. He goes right, then left, the real break clicks. I guide him into my landing net. About a 35cm trout.

I cast for another 2 hours. Plenty more bites, but nothing in the landing net. I end the day happy as can be.

Good start

Same spots - different results

Although fished the same spots the result differed. Trout were more careful with there bites. Jabbing the lure once and heading to the safety of plants. Had to change up the lures a couple of times. Caught trout on 4 different lures. Forest Pal, Nories Masukurouto, Meps Aglia spinner size 0 and a custom 5cm minnow. Did wade further than last time and the trout kept on biting. There is plenty of the river to explore. All in all caught around 10 trout, a couple decent 30-35cm brownies and the rest in the 15-25cm range.