Loch of Girlsta
water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Loch of Girlsta lies just inland on the east side of Mainland, set to the east of the A970 between Lerwick and Hillside. Named after Geirhild, a Norse princess who drowned in the loch about the year 870, the water sits low and close to the sea. It is a large loch of roughly 97 hectares, peat-stained and of low alkalinity. The mean depth is around 10 metres, with deeper water in places, and the shore runs in a varied sweep, giving longer reaches along the east side.
Girlsta holds good stocks of brown trout of excellent quality, averaging 10 oz; much larger fish are taken most seasons, and the loch produced the Shetland record trout, a fish of over 10 lb. Arctic charr are present, and there is a chance of sea trout from July onwards. Boat fishing brings the best results, with steady drifts down the east shore about ten metres out from the bank; from the shore, the north‑east side is the place to work, and along the east shore, a long underwater promontory can, with care, be waded. Access is straightforward from the A970, which runs along the west side.
- Mainland, Shetland, Scotland
- Lake
- Arctic charr and Brown trout
Permission & Tickets
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.
Waters nearby
Waters within 5 miles of Loch of Girlsta