Lake Usma

Lake Usma is a popular destination for recreation, fishing, and sailing.

More than 25 species of fish can be found in the lake, including eel, zander (pike-perch), pike, perch, burbot, whitefish, ide, chub, vendace, tench, bream, roach, silver bream, rudd, carp, crucian carp, bleak, gudgeon, ruffe, stone loach, three-spined stickleback, sunbleak, stone loach, and nine-spined stickleback.

If you plan to go fishing in Lake Usma, you need to purchase a Lake Usma fishing license at one of the recreation sites around the lake, such as Usmas Meķi, Muižnieki, Usmas Lejastiezumi, Dižāpas, Zāgkalni, Grāveri, and others. You can also use the digital service e-Loms to purchase electronic licenses and register your catch.

Boat rentals are also available at many campsites and recreation areas around the lake.

When comparing fish catches in Lake Usma with several other lakes in Latvia, the fish community is considered typical for lakes in the temperate climate zone. In terms of both biomass and numbers, the fish population is dominated by perch, roach, and bream. The overall biomass of fish species is considered moderate.

The catch structure shows a moderately high proportion of predatory fish, which can be explained by the lake’s suitability as a habitat for perch, zander, pike, and other predatory species. However, the relatively high proportion of juvenile perch in the population suggests excessive anthropogenic pressure, which has gradually led to a decrease in the share of large-sized perch.

Lake Usma is also considered a particularly suitable habitat for eel, as the lake provides optimal feeding and wintering conditions. Eel is highly valued by both recreational anglers and commercial fishermen. Maintaining healthy eel stocks increases the lake’s attractiveness for its main users—fishermen and anglers—and also enhances its socio-economic value.