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Burga Water

Burga Water

Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association

Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
Low 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.

A small, shallow water lying close to the road to Levaneap which has good quality trout of 10 ounces with some better fish of more than a pound.

Rules

Fish limits & sizes

Minimum sizes

  • Brown trout 10 inches (254 mm); sea trout 12 inches (305 mm).
  • Undersized fish must be returned.

Protected fish

All wild salmon and grilse, and all Arctic char, must be returned alive.

Permitted methods

Methods

  • Fly fishing and spinning are allowed on most association lochs.
  • Worm fishing is discouraged for adults (due to the risk of deep-hooking) but accepted for juniors.
Byelaws

One rod per angler

Only one rod may be used at a time per angler.

No Sunday fishing

Sunday fishing for sea trout and salmon is prohibited across all waters, regardless of land ownership or permit.

All salmon must be released

Under the Salmon Conservation Regulations (in force since 1 April 2016), Shetland is a Grade 3 area — it is a criminal offence to kill any salmon caught here. All salmon must be released by law, regardless of condition. The exception is fish clearly of farmed origin.

Protected wildlife

Nesting birds

It is a criminal offence to disturb nesting wild birds, including Schedule 1 species. Many nest beside lochs. Avoid any loch holding Red-throated Divers. Several lochs are SSSIs with legally binding conditions of use.

Club rules

Report salmon caught

All salmon caught and released must be reported to the Shetland Anglers Association via the contact page.

Season

Brown trout 15 Mar – 6 Oct
J F M A M J J A S O N D

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Sae Water

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Loch of Livister

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Loch of Huxter 10

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