Spiggie Beaches
Mainland, Shetland
The Shetland Angling Association has recommended this location as one of the possible spots to catch sea trout, which ca ...
Loch of Spiggie
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
High 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.
Moderate 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.
Owned by the RSPB and rented by the SAA. There are two areas where fishing is banned – the bay at the far south end and a small area in the north west corner.
This is the largest loch in the south mainland, and for more than a century, one of the most popular. Sadly this water has, over the past few years, suffered a decline in catches, but there are still fish to be caught. There is a large area of sandy shallows at the north end and a pair of chest waders are required to fish this area effectively. There is no Association boat here at present. Electric engines only are permitted on the loch – no petrol engines. Spiggie fish are silvery and fight well. Average weight is about 10 ounces but there are larger fish to 2 pounds.
Rules
Permitted methods
Barbless hooks, no bait
Barbless hooks only. No bait or lead weights.
Protected wildlife
No-fishing zones
No fishing or access at the signed reed beds north and south of the loch — important bird nesting areas. See map for details.
Club rules
Boats and engines
Electric engines only (no petrol). Maximum 6 boats on the loch and 14 on RSPB property. Boat season ends 15 September.
Fishery-wide 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
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Mainland, Shetland
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Mainland, Shetland
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