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
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: 28 Aug – 1 Sep
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.
Rules
Club rules
Boats and engines
Up to 10 boats; engines: maximum 10 HP. Exceeding 10 HP breaches the association's consent and risks prosecution.
Access
Best accessed from the southern end. Do not block the gate.
Fishery-wide 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
Sea trout
25 Feb – 31 Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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