Fly fishing at Loch of Houlland, Mainland, Shetland

About this water

Loch of Houlland lies close to the coast on low, open ground. It is a small, shallow loch of roughly nine hectares, high in alkalinity, with a moderately varied margin.

A popular water, it holds good quality fish of more than two pounds. Fish can be taken all round, and some weed appears from mid-season. Access is straightforward from the lighthouse: a ten-minute walk north for just under a kilometre, trending east then north with only a gentle rise, brings you to the water.

Location

Photos

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.