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
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.
Next spring tides: 12 Aug – 18 Aug
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
Rules
Before you fish, always check local signage or contact the relevant association to confirm which methods are permitted.
Shetland is an internationally important breeding ground for many bird species, and it is a criminal offence to disturb nesting wild birds. Some species have additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act — these are known as Schedule 1 birds.
Many of these birds nest on the ground, sometimes right next to small lochs and pools. Take care on your way to and from lochs, and avoid disturbing breeding birds and their young while fishing. If you come across Red-throated Divers on a smaller loch, simply avoid that loch — disturbing an adult bird leaves its eggs or chicks vulnerable to predation.
A number of lochs and surrounding areas are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and protected by specific laws and conditions of use. Failing to comply with these conditions is a criminal offence.
Baltasound
Unst, Shetland
The Shetland Angling Association has recommended this location as one of the possible spots to catch sea trout, which ca ...