Kirk Loch
water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
About
To the southeast of Breckon Sands, perched on cliffs next to the fisherman’s graveyard, lies Kirk Loch. This water has a distinct Machair loch feel, with a westerly wedge of shell-blown sand and high alkalinity. The shoreline graveyard doesn’t have any bearing on the size of the trout, but all the best lochs have a graveyard on their banks.
You can wade the sandy westerly shore to reach the drop-off, but be careful. I fished this loch early one morning during a family holiday and managed to fish the length of the drop-off in about two hours but came up empty-handed. Bruce Sandison says there are “dour monsters of up to 5 lb in weight.” I’m certain that if there are fish in this loch, they won’t be small.
- Yell, Shetland
- Lake
- Brown trout
Photos
Permission & Tickets
Fishing permits can be purchased at either the Lerwick Tourist Office or the tackle shop, Rod and Line, which is in Harbour Street in Lerwick. The SAA organises a number of fishing competitions during the season running separate boat and bank leagues and the visiting angler will be made most welcome at these. Details will be supplied with your permit.
You can also buy a permit online from the Association's website.
Boats for hire – The Association has several boats for hire, and at present these are located at the following lochs – Loch of Benston, Loch of Asta, Loch of Northouse, Loch of Clousta, Loch of Tingwall, Sulma Water and Punds Water. These can change, but details of boat locations and hire can be got from the tackle shop.
Clubhouse – The SAA owns an unlicensed clubhouse, situated in Burns Lane in Lerwick, to which the visiting angler is most welcome. Hours of opening are from 8.30pm and 11.00pm on most Tuesdays and Fridays.
Waters nearby
Other waters within 5 miles