Skip to main content

Latvia is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offering diverse waters filled with everything from freshwater giants like pike and zander to prized sea fish like sea trout and cod. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a curious beginner, the country’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters provide exceptional fishing opportunities year-round. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best places to fish in Latvia, highlighting what makes each location special and what fish you can expect to catch.

1. Lake Burtnieks

Location: Northern Latvia, near the town of Valmiera
Type: Freshwater Lake
Fish species: Pike, zander, perch, roach, bream

Lake Burtnieks is one of Latvia’s largest lakes and a favorite among anglers. It’s especially known for its trophy-sized pike and zander, making it a dream destination for those looking to land large catches. The lake’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of fish species, and you can expect a peaceful and scenic fishing experience surrounded by forests and meadows.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pike and zander fishing, but summer offers a good mix of species.

2. Gauja River

Location: Gauja National Park, near Sigulda
Type: River
Fish species: Salmon, sea trout, grayling, pike

The Gauja River, flowing through Latvia’s most famous national park, offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the country. The river is home to migratory species like salmon and sea trout, making it a popular destination for anglers in the spring and autumn seasons. Additionally, you’ll find grayling, which is a prized catch for fly fishers.

  • Best time to visit: Salmon and sea trout fishing is best from late autumn to early spring.

3. Venta River

Location: Western Latvia, near Kuldīga
Type: River
Fish species: Salmon, sea trout, pike

The Venta River is not only famous for its large catches but also for the scenic Venta Rapid (Ventas Rumba), the widest waterfall in Europe. The river is a prime destination for salmon fishing, and many anglers visit to witness the spectacular salmon migration during the fall.

  • Best time to visit: Autumn, when salmon migrate upstream, and spring, when pike are also active.

4. Lake Usma

Location: Western Latvia, near Ventspils
Type: Freshwater Lake
Fish species: Pike, perch, bream, zander

Lake Usma is a beautiful and tranquil spot for fishing, perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back experience. It is one of the largest lakes in Latvia and is surrounded by forests, making it a great location for nature lovers and anglers alike. Pike, perch, and zander are the most commonly caught species here, and the lake’s shallow areas are great for casting.

  • Best time to visit: Late spring through autumn is excellent for pike and zander fishing, while summer is ideal for perch.

5. Jūrmala Beach

Location: Gulf of Riga, near Riga
Type: Coastal (Baltic Sea)
Fish species: Sea trout, flounder, perch

Jūrmala is a well-known resort town near Riga with long stretches of sandy beaches, but it’s also a fantastic spot for surfcasting. The coastal waters of the Gulf of Riga are home to sea trout, flounder, and perch, making it a great place for anglers who enjoy fishing directly from the shore. Sea trout fishing is particularly popular during the cooler months.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for sea trout fishing along the coast.

6. Pāvilosta

Location: Western Latvia, on the Baltic Sea
Type: Coastal (Baltic Sea)
Fish species: Cod, sea trout, perch, flounder

For those looking for a deeper saltwater experience, Pāvilosta is one of Latvia’s premier sea fishing destinations. Located on the Baltic Sea coast, Pāvilosta is popular for boat fishing trips where anglers can target cod, sea trout, and perch. The calm and clean waters of the Baltic make this area perfect for deep-sea fishing and trolling.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and summer are best for cod and sea trout, while autumn is a good time for flounder.

7. Lake Engure

Location: Engure Nature Park, Western Latvia
Type: Freshwater Lake
Fish species: Pike, perch, bream, roach

Lake Engure is located within a nature park and offers a serene environment for fishing. The lake is relatively shallow, which makes it ideal for catching pike and perch. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatchers, so you can enjoy the diverse wildlife while waiting for your catch. The lake has a wide variety of fish species, making it a versatile fishing destination.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are great for catching larger pike, while summer is good for perch.

8. Daugava River

Location: Central and Eastern Latvia, near Riga
Type: River
Fish species: Bream, pike, zander, perch, roach

The Daugava River is the longest river in Latvia and offers excellent fishing opportunities right near the capital, Riga. The river is wide and slow-moving, with deep sections that are home to bream, pike, and zander. It’s a popular spot for local anglers who prefer river fishing and is also accessible for tourists.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and summer are ideal for bream and pike, while autumn is good for zander.

9. Lubāns Lake

Location: Eastern Latvia
Type: Freshwater Lake
Fish species: Pike, perch, bream, roach

Lake Lubāns is the largest lake in Latvia, offering fantastic opportunities for fishing pike and perch. The lake’s expansive size and its surrounding marshlands make it a unique destination for anglers looking for both quantity and quality catches. Its natural beauty and rich fish population make it a top spot, especially for ice fishing in winter.

  • Best time to visit: Year-round for different species; winter is excellent for ice fishing.

10. Liepāja

Location: Western Latvia, on the Baltic Sea
Type: Coastal (Baltic Sea)
Fish species: Cod, flounder, herring, perch

Located on the Baltic coast, Liepāja offers diverse fishing experiences. Whether you’re casting from the shore or venturing out on a boat, you can catch species like cod, flounder, and perch. It’s also known for its annual fishing competitions, making it an exciting spot for both competitive and recreational anglers.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and summer for cod and perch, autumn for herring.

Latvia’s diverse waters—rivers, lakes, and the Baltic Sea—offer something for every type of angler. Whether you’re after large predatory fish like pike and zander or prefer the thrill of catching salmon and sea trout, Latvia has some of the best fishing spots in the Baltics. With beautiful natural surroundings and ample opportunities for both freshwater and sea fishing, Latvia should be on every angler’s bucket list.

Now that you know the best places to fish in Latvia, pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!