Loch of Huxter
Whalsay, Shetland
A large loch with easy access where the brown trout average 12 ounces but the loch can produce much larger fish. Wading ...
251
©
Robert Sandison
·
CC
Loch of Livister
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
Low 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.
Low 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.
Very small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
A short easy walk to the north of Huxter, this smaller loch can also produce good quality fish of more than 3 pounds. Wading is not necessary as fish lie close to the shore.
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
Nuckro Water
Whalsay, Shetland
A small, dour loch which can produce some very good fish. Easy access and wading is not recommended. The western bay wee ...
Loch of Isbister
Whalsay, Shetland
Brown trout average about 12 ounces with the odd better fish. Best fishing is on the shore nearest the road and wading i ...
Loch of Sandwick
Whalsay, Shetland
This is the nearest to Symbister and hold fish which average 12 ounces with some up to 2 pounds. Wading is difficult and ...
Loch of Vatshoull
Whalsay, Shetland
Loch Vats-houll lies close to the sea, set on low ground. It is a very small, shallow loch of roughly 8 hectares, with l ...
East loch of Skaw
Whalsay, Shetland
A small, shallow loch lying beside the island’s golf course at the end of the Skaw road. The fish average 12 ounces and ...
Loch of Stavaness
Mainland, Shetland
Park at the end of the road at Neap and a half mile walk over the hill to the north takes you to this largish loch where ...
Burga Water
Mainland, Shetland
A small, shallow water lying close to the road to Levaneap which has good quality trout of 10 ounces with some better fi ...