Burrafirth Beach
Unst, Shetland
The Shetland Angling Association has recommended this location as one of the possible spots to catch sea trout, which ca ...
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©
Mike Pennington
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Loch of Cliff
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: 11 Sep – 17 Sep
Sea trout run Jun–Sep, peak Aug
Moderate 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.
High 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.
Large
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Loch of Cliff lies east of Burrafirth on Unst, set among low moor close to the western coast. It is the longest loch in Shetland, a large, shallow water covering just over 100 hectares with a mean depth of around 3 m. The water is peat-stained with moderate alkalinity, and the loch’s long, sinuous outline carries a broad fetch with several bays and points along its margins.
The loch was once noted for many small brown trout; since fish cages were installed the native fish have grown much larger, and good numbers are taken. Sea trout also run into the loch later in the season. Boat fishing is best here because of the loch’s size and access. Access to the boats is by the rough track from Burrafirth; enquire locally or with the Shetland Angling Association about boat hire.
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
Baltasound
Unst, Shetland
The Shetland Angling Association has recommended this location as one of the possible spots to catch sea trout, which ca ...