If you were to spin the globe and stick pins in at all the popular fly fishing destinations known to date, I guarantee Lithuania wouldn’t even rate a mention. This, despite the fact, that 25 kms north of capital Vilnius is the geographical centre of Europe.

We all read articles and magazines plagued with the usual destinations. The information gets repetitive with time, yet there are still many untouched waters in this world offering a high enough caliber of game fish to ignite a spark in the mind of any adventurous fly fisherman.

With its lush green countryside and winding watercourses that cut through forests and meadows, Lithuania is rawer and more untouched with regard to fly-fishing than any other destination I have experienced.

This amazing country is developing fast. With all the turmoil and war and the darkness it has experienced the land is at last moving into the light, and just last year was admitted into the EU. It is a well endowed land, with 758 rivers, streams and brooks and over 3000 lakes, all having seemed to have miraculously escaped the communist depression and Soviet concrete.

Frozen in time
Outside the boundaries of Vilnius, the country seems to be frozen in time. One particular area only now coming to light is the Dzukija National Park, founded in 1991 and located in the south-eastern corner of Lithuania. Covering 10,587 hectares, with 85% forest cover, the park is known for its abundance of elk, deer, wild boar, wolves and foxes.

The two main rivers dissecting this landscape are the Nemunas and Merkys, both with countless tributaries, boasting brown trout and grayling that have never felt the tickle of an artificial fly. The waters run crystal clear with a slight lemon tint, enabling fly anglers to spot fish hugging a sandy bottom that is covered with loose stones and pebbles.

Never have I felt so entirely at ease as I did when standing in a small tributary of the Merkys River, surrounded by endless wild forest, casting to the sound of birds high in the pine canopies. The stream offered me fourteen brown trout that day and apparently that was no bonanza. The power of the stream caressing the back of my legs and the sweet damp air that engulfed my every breath ignited my mind with visions of freedom, truth and adventure.

Wading, although a big part of one’s overall experience, didn’t always bring the most strikes. Like fly fishing in Denmark, a country with which I am accustomed, the most subtle strategies and casts are done from land. I had so much water at my disposal that I practically ran along the riverbanks picking out obvious holes and lies that I knew would hold fish. I felt spoilt for choice.

Walking in wonder
Another tributary, a mirror image of the Danish river Salcia, promised everything. Its waters gently meandered through the fields and forests, splitting occasionally into several small fast running streams then merged back into its main body as it ran towards the Merkys River just south of Valkininkai.

Standing on a bridge overlooking this stretch of water I could see trout holding in the deeper pools and the shelter that the bridge stanchions had to offer. A steady layer of surface flies littered the film. Walking upstream for about thirty minutes revealed some incredible water and several over confident grayling breaking the calm surface mirror. What a dream I was walking through!

The Merkys River is long and some places are difficult to find. Most of the river cuts through thick forest, where good navigational skills are required. Sure, there are few scattered forest tracks and roads near to river banks but it seems the Merkys has found solitude as it edges.

The Varena River quickly became a firm favorite. Its gentle and clean waters held brown trout displaying colors that shocked me into silence. Although hard to approach due to the water clarity and thick riverbank vegetation, they were a joy to watch. That park had more rivers and streams than I could count.

Other favorites were the Ula, Neris, and Zeimena, but to be honest I felt like I was only scratching the surface. The country is full of rivers and it would take a lifetime to experience even half of them. If you are seeking solitude, complimented by a raw and rustic edge, then Lithuania holds the key to every desire. Is it time to experience something new and different or are we all still looking forward to the next repetitive story of a destination we already know inside out?

Inside info
Fishing is permitted year round and for the hardcore among you, winter offers classic grayling angling. February to April can be very cold and wet so some warm clothing, with a warm waterproof jacket and thermal under clothes is a must. The climate is similar to that of Denmark or the UK but can be even colder and harder.

Generally speaking, mid-April to October is the best time to visit Lithuania to fly fish. However, May/June, due to the overwhelming hatch of the E. Danica and other up wings, is the absolute premium. Bring 9″ to 12″ leaders tapered to 3x-6x, and tippet in 4X, 5X and 6X. Many mayfly patterns from home (Pale Morning Duns, Blue-Winged Olives, Adams, even Humpy’s) will work. A rod class 4 to 6 will suit most situations with a double taper / weight forward - floating fly lines.

Those interested in sea trout and salmon fishing should try a 7 to 9 class rod with a sinking tip. Classic salmon and sea trout flies work well and it would be a good idea to experiment with a variety of patterns.

When it comes to accomodation, there are several nice inns scattered throughout the country offering reasonable service. But be warned - tourism is still relatively new, especially outside the cities, so you might have problems with communication.

Vilnius is by far the easiest place to stay, with most residents, hotels and cafes speaking good English. If you plan to indulge in self-exploration, advance bookings would be advised through your travel agent or through the Lithuanian Tourism Service. The food is excellent, and so too is the history and art displayed in the country’s old buildings.

Information on fly fishing in Lithuania is difficult to come by on the Internet. Try the Lithuanian Tourism Service on www.tourism.lt or www.travel.lt .

Distant Streams Guide Service offers all-inclusive fly fishing holidays and guide service in Lithuania to the Neris Regional and Dzukija National Park at very reasonable rates with quality service. You can find more information at: www.distantstreams.com or by writing to distantstreams@mail.com Tel. +45 6474 1811 or +45 2096 4635.