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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Loch of Strom
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
Loch of Strom is a long, narrow tidal loch on the west side of Shetland, extending for about 4 km and reaching up to 0.4 km in width. It is constricted into two distinct sections between Quoyness and Hamarsland. The A971 Lerwick–Walls road crosses the southern end, where the loch is fully tidal and saline, with seawater grading northwards into clear, brackish shallows.
The eastern shore is closely hemmed in by the steep slopes of the Hill of Hamarsland, which rises to around 150 m, giving this side of the loch a pronounced, enclosed character. By contrast, the western shore is more accessible, with a minor road running close to the water. A track also follows the eastern shore for roughly the first 0.8 km as far as West Hamarsland.
The loch supports a varied fish population. Brown trout are present and commonly average 10–12 oz, with larger, heavier fish also occurring. Sea trout may enter the loch from July onwards. Angling activity is generally concentrated toward the northern end, where freshwater influence is strongest, particularly along the eastern shore near the inflowing burns and the head of the loch.
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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