Lithuanian troops stopped the march on September 29 to establish a confederation in connection with overdue wages.

Chodkiewicz, in order to unhindered besiege of Daugavgrīva castle, decided to destroy the army of Mansfeld.

On the other hand, the Swedes did not manage to break through and help the starving crew of Daugavgrīva, which Lithuanians blockaded for months.

Unable to force Mansfeld to battle, Chodkiewicz prepared an ambush by the river Gauja.

The Swedes couldn't resist the temptation and on 6 October attacked the weakly defended Lithuanian camp.