Loch of Freester
Mainland, Shetland
These two small and shallow lochs both hold trout of 8 to 12 ounces with some better fish of a pound or more. Both lochs ...
Catfirth Voe
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Coastal
Species
Sea trout
Tide window
Fishing is often best around low water. We mark the tide as favourable within 2 hours either side of low tide.
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Nearest salmon farm
The weekly average of adult-female sea lice per farmed fish. As a reference, SEPA's reporting threshold is 2.0 and its intervention threshold is 6.0 — these flag farm welfare, not fishing quality. Over years, high farm lice pressure is linked to declines in wild sea trout.
Gletness
Withdrawal period prior to harvesting
· 2.4 km
· w/c 3 Aug
The Shetland Angling Association has recommended this location as one of the possible spots to catch sea trout, which can be found in various places along the coastline. Anglers are encouraged to explore and try different locations. However, it's important to bear in mind that sea trout can be affected by angling pressure, and therefore, although there are no basket limits, anglers are kindly requested to conserve stocks.
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
Sea trout
25 Feb – 31 Oct
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