Latvia is a Baltic North European Democratic Republican country and a member state of the European Union.  It has a Temperate Seasonal Climate with warm summers and cold winters.  The Capital and largest City is Riga and home to the main International Airport.  The currency is Latvian Lats and the current exchange rate is approximately 1 x GBP to 0.86 Lat.  Driving is on the right and the Time Zone differential is GMT + 2.  The International Dialling Code is +371.  British Consular services are available at the British Embassy in Riga, tel (+371) 67774700.  Fishing Tours Latvia has its main base in the beautiful forest location of Lielvarde  some 60 kms from Riga Airport.  Lielvarde lies within the Riga District where there are 132 inland lakes surrounded by lowland and highland Pine forests.  At the Lielvarde base lie our private lakeside fishing facilities location of Ezi (a name given to the site by locals and roughly translated means Hedgehog!). For those not interested in fishing then please see our Adventure Breaks Page and Sightseeing Trips. A unique experience in the forests lakes and mountains of Latvia.

FISHING -

The fresh waters of the Lielvarde are abundantly stocked with a wide variety of mature species, many in excess of 40 lbs.  Sturgeon, Carp, Trout, Salmon, Gudgeon, Char, Grayling, Pike, Eel, Tench, Bream, Roach, Dace, Barbel and Sabre Fish are all free breeding in these waters.  We have all the necessary tackle to fish for the above species at a small daily hire charge.  We also provide the different types of wet and dry baits you will require, on a daily basis.  You are, of course, more than welcome to bring your own tackle.  A daily programme can be arranged to focus on both River and Lake fishing.  Licenses in Latvia fall into two categories, government and private.  The cost of a license for public (government) fishing is, at the time of writing, 5 Lat for a 6 month period on government waters.  Fish caught under this license may be taken away.  Private licenses vary, however, the standard charge is 5 Lat per 12 or 24 hour visit. You are advised to allow between 10 and 20 Lat for your tour licences for the duration of your stay.

ADVENTURE BREAKS AND SIGHTSEEING TRIPS

Activity breaks and sightseeing trips information is given on THIS PAGE CLICK HERE - Should fishing not be your game then the adventure and sightseeing activities are available as an alternative. Please make your choices on your initial enquiry and you will be informed of the availability of the activities (weather permitting) and sightseeing trips which can be included, giving estimated costs dependant on your tour dates. FTL will supply you with a forecast of activity and availability cost prior to booking.

A RECENT TRIP - OCTOBER 2010

On a recent fishing trip, Fishing Tours Latvia hosted two fishermen from Sheffield for a 5 day visit in October 2010, both enjoying the sport and hospitality of the Latvian people.

Mark, the owner of the Nitro baits fishing shop in Sheffield (see photographs in Latvia) is a very experienced Carp fisherman, and is known throughout Yorkshire and beyond for the miracle baits he as developed, I encourage all keen fishermen to visit Marks website at Nitro baits. The second fisherman again has gained recognition over the years, and enjoyed the relaxed, atmosphere in the countryside location of Leivarde, near the capitol Riga.
Many fish were caught in the rivers and lake locations visited by Fishing Tours Latvia. The weather for the time of year was outstanding.

During the visit, time out, was taken to enjoy the culture and foods of Riga’ Old Town’, Phil from FTL gave the grand tour of the capitol taking in the interesting sightseeing buildings and also a  few local beers were tasted. 

The season starts again April 2011 interested parties are asked to follow the detail within the pages of the website.

TRAVEL

FTL have selected Ryan Air as a major airline using a diverse choice of departure airports from the UK. Flight schedules can be found on the Travel page if you wish to begin to plan your Latvian Tour.

There are other airlines flying to Latvia (Riga International). All groups are responsible for booking their own flights from departure to return airports. Flight times are approx. 2 hours 30 minutes. Airlines constantly change their flight schedules and the hidden charges they make for flight prices, hand baggage allowances and excess luggage charges can vary considerably. They are also changing security restrictions which are affecting what you can and can not take on board an aircraft. You would be advised to inform FTL of your arrival (Latvia) flight details on confirmation of your booking with the airline of your choice.

Groups will be met by an English speaking guide and have the exclusive use of Transport - you will have a minibus for the duration of your stay.

A Daily Programme will focus on fishing, both River and Lake, however during the visit, time will be taken to enjoy the Culture, History and Sightseeing splendour of Old Town Riga and Sigulda (The Little Switzerland of Latvia) with an English speaking guide to answer any questions which may arise.