River Dubysa

The River Dubysa, at 131 km, is the 15th longest river solely in Lithuania. It originates just a few kilometers from Lake Rėkyva near Šiauliai city. At first it flows south, but at Lyduvėnai turns southeast and near Ariogala – southwest. Dubysa is a Samogitian river. The first few kilometres of Dybysa are also known as Genupis or Šventupis. Dubysa has about 40 tributaries, the largest being Kražantė on the right and Šiaušė, Gryžuva, and Gynėvė on the left. Kražantė (86 km) is almost twice as long as the upper reaches of Dubysa before the confluence (47 km). Even though Kražantė’s basin is somewhat smaller, it should be considered the main river. Dubysa is mainly fed by rainfall and melting snow, therefore its water levels change rapidly. The maximum depth is about 4 m. The valley of Dubysa is one of the highest and widest in Lithuania. The valley reaches 20–40 m in height and 300–500 m in width. It was formed during the last glacial period. Near Lyduvėnai there is a railroad bridge across the valley, which is the highest and longest such bridge in Lithuania. The bridge was first built by the Germans during World War I. In 1918 an iron railway bridge replaced it. Dubysa is connected with the Venta River by the abandoned Windawski Canal started in 1825 by the authorities of the Russian Empire. The canal is 15 km in length and was supposed to have 20 locks. The intention was to connect the Neman basin with the Baltic Sea through the port of Ventspils. The lower reaches of Neman were under Prussian control. The work was interrupted by the Uprising of 1831. The work resumed only at the beginning of the 20th century but was interrupted again by the World War I. After the war there was no purpose for the canal as Lithuania gained control over the Klaipėda region and lower reaches of Neman. The canal was based on the Kartuva rivulet. Dubysa ichthyological reserve was established in 1974. It protects spawning areas of vimba and other ca. 25 species of fish. The reserve protects Dubysa below Ariogala down to its mouth (some 25 km of the river). Dubysa Regional Park was established in 1992 to protect the Dubysa valley, landscape and cultural heritage, including the birthplace of poet Maironis. The park also encourages eco-tourism. It covers is located in the territories of the Kelmė and Raseiniai district municipalities. Harvesting macro algae mats.