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.

Magical trout river

Bites do not stop

Small trout, beautiful river

The trout

Comfortable and cooled off in the water I start casting. Around my tenth cast I plant the Smith Pure spoon between two tree stumps sticking out of the water. I start reeling and get my first trout of the day which will be the biggest. A good start. I cast closer to the second post and get another hit this time the trout is much smaller around 15-17cm.

Wading upstream I admire nature while fallen timber and rocks dictate the course of the river. I did not go 15min without a bite although the trout were all small, the constant action was wonderful. Was using only spoon lures. A drawback of the river it is popular with water tourists. First you hear the hollow plastic bangs and knocks. Then one kayak after another pass me. Always followed by the same questions. Hows it biting, hope we are not scaring the fish. Although frustrating cannot be mad at people trying to relax in nature

After another 6 hours I was 4km upstream. I decide to wade back down. Casting between logs, under low hanging branches, small trout, grayling kept on biting.

Last challenge

As the sun fell clouds started forming and rain was imminent. Making it to the car before rainfall was the goal. At the last leg of my journey, I step out of the river and all I have left is the nettle field and a uphill climb. It starts pouring wind gusts blow. I plow threw the tall grass feeling the burn in my thighs. The car is in sight, but I am already drenched. I quickly change into a dry pair of clothes. The forest roads are flowing with water. I feel wheel spin, but with some light maneuvering I make it to the main road. The day had everything and it was fantastic !

The summer has arrived

I set out after sleeping in. I reach the river at around 10:30am. Prep my gear and start casting. I decide to test a new spoon the ANTEM (Angler’z System) Olian and keep it on for the day. A small lure with an olive/yellow color and a unique bend, which creates active movement.

It was windy, but the skies clear. The heat was intense, flies buzzing everywhere. But no mayflies insight. Was fishing high upstream. The river was 3-4m width casting was not challenging. After an hour I get my first bite. For a split second I see a small trout on the surface doing a dance with the lure. As soon as he felt resistance he spits the lure out. Early action is a good sign. Now the sun was at a midday high. No sun lotion, no sun cap sunburn was a guarantee. Reconciled with my fate all I can do is plow forward. Bigger trout await. 2 hours pass and I get another hit this time the trout reaches my net. Pretty much a standard size for this season. Still feisty. I let him go, have a snack and keep moving forward.

After sometime the scenery changes. The river goes from fields to a forest. There I catch a small pike. A pleasant surprise for this river.

I admire the blossoming nature and rest up. After a couple hours of casting with one more trout bite I decide to head home. Looking like a lobster I take a short cut threw the fields. As I make my way to the car, a white dot stands out in the horizon. It is a panel-van. With no roads around, I ended a days of fishing wondering how did a it end up in the middle of a field under a dead tree...