water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Another loch with big fish characteristics. Small, shallow, with limited spawn and high alkalinity, it’s similar to Winyadepla.
Close to the road, Funzie probably gets more fishing attention than Winyadepla. When we fished it, I had a fish of 4 lbs on my fifth cast. I think pretty quickly you’ll get a feel if the fish are going to be in the mood, and I wouldn’t spend any more than an hour finding out.
Resist the temptation to wade, feeding fish come into the margins. I was wading about ankle-deep when I hooked a good fish amongst the boulders. Like Winyadepla, the boulders are good cover for feedings fish, and you can drop your flies amongst them like you would on a river. There’s also an area of weed on the southeast shore that’ll harbour some fish.
As the loch is noted for its population of Red Necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus), one of Britain's rarest breeding birds, you may get to see one of the birds whilst you are fishing.
There may be bird watchers waiting to see the birds, too, so please be polite and talk to the twitchers before fishing.
Remember, as a big fish water, you’ll need to return all your fish and use barbless hooks.
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.
Other waters within 5 miles