Longa Water
Mainland, Shetland
Longa Water lies in the low ground of Shetland, roughly a kilometre and a half from the coast. It is a small loch of abo ...
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Colin Smith
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Loch of Strand
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout and Sea trout
Migratory run
Salmon run from late June, peaking in July and largely over by the end of August. Sea trout run from June, building to a peak in August and tailing off through September. Spring tides every ~2 weeks bring fresh fish in from the sea to the river mouths.
Next spring tides: 12 Aug – 18 Aug
Sea trout run Jun–Sep, peak Aug
Moderate 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.
Very small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Strand Loch lies on low ground close to the sea on Mainland Shetland, set just inland from the coast. It is a very small, shallow water of roughly 3 hectares, averaging about 3 metres in depth. Brackish and generally clear, with moderate alkalinity, the shoreline is varied for its size and the margins fall away over stones and soft mud.
This is one of Shetland’s most popular sea-trout lochs, stocked by the SAA, and best fished early and late in the season; there are also some, mostly small, brown trout. The bottom is mostly slippery stones and soft mud and wading is difficult. Access is easy from the old A970 road, with a short walk leading down to the water.
Rules
Rules
Before you fish, always check local signage or contact the relevant association to confirm which methods are permitted.
Shetland is an internationally important breeding ground for many bird species, and it is a criminal offence to disturb nesting wild birds. Some species have additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act — these are known as Schedule 1 birds.
Many of these birds nest on the ground, sometimes right next to small lochs and pools. Take care on your way to and from lochs, and avoid disturbing breeding birds and their young while fishing. If you come across Red-throated Divers on a smaller loch, simply avoid that loch — disturbing an adult bird leaves its eggs or chicks vulnerable to predation.
A number of lochs and surrounding areas are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and protected by specific laws and conditions of use. Failing to comply with these conditions is a criminal offence.
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