Loch of Vatster
Mainland, Shetland
Loch of Vatster lies in the low ground of the Shetland Islands, roughly a kilometre from the coast. It is a very small l ...
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Mike Pennington
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Black Loch
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout and Sea trout
Migratory run
Salmon run from late June, peaking in July and largely over by the end of August. Sea trout run from June, building to a peak in August and tailing off through September. Spring tides every ~2 weeks bring fresh fish in from the sea to the river mouths.
Next spring tides: 30 Jul – 2 Aug
Sea trout run Jun–Sep, peak Aug
High alkalinity
High alkalinity indicates water fertility and can signal the presence of larger trout. Fish in alkaline waters have a wider variety of invertebrates to feed on.
Shallow
The depth of a lake has significant impacts on its ecology. Reduced heat and light in deep lakes inhibit algal growth.
Low shoreline complexity
A lake with a high shoreline complexity will have numerous bays, points and peninsulas.
Low elevation
Lakes at a higher altitude can take longer to warm up during the season and may not fish well until summer.
Small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Bea Loch lies in the low ground of the Orkney Islands, barely half a kilometre from the coast. It is a small loch of roughly 38 hectares, shallow throughout with a mean depth of only around four metres, and its shoreline is simple and gently rounded. The high alkalinity of the water speaks to the productive limestone and mixed geology beneath, and the loch sits open to the prevailing winds across its short fetch.
The brown trout average around eight ounces, with some fish reaching a pound or better. The Association has also stocked the water with young sea trout in an effort to encourage runs, following a tradition that once made neighbouring lochs well regarded for their sea trout fishing.
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