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
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: 28 Aug – 1 Sep
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
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
Sea trout
25 Feb – 31 Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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