Loch of Tingwall
Mainland, Shetland
Loch of Tingwall is considered among Shetland’s finest lochs. It lies in the low ground of central Shetland, barely a mi ...
170
Loch of Asta
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.
Spring tides now — through 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.
Very 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.
Loch of Asta lies in the Tingwall Valley on Shetland's Mainland, close to the B9074 in low, sheltered ground about a kilometre from the coast. It is a small loch of about 13 hectares, very shallow throughout, with clear, highly alkaline water, a productive combination that sets it apart from the peaty hill lochs common elsewhere in the islands. The shoreline is broadly simple, the loch running roughly half a mile north to south and narrowing to around 200 yards at its widest. To the east, the Hill of Steinswall offers some shelter from the wind, while the Hill of Houlland rises to the west, so the fetch across the water is short, and conditions are rarely severe.
A small stream connects Asta to the more celebrated Loch of Tingwall at the north.
Brown trout average eight to ten ounces, and from August onwards, sea trout enter the system, offering the chance of something larger. Wading is generally safe across much of the loch.
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