Loch of Strom
water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
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.
- Mainland, Shetland
- Lake
- Brown trout and Sea trout
Permission & Tickets
Fishing permits can be purchased at either the Lerwick Tourist Office or the tackle shop, Rod and Line, which is in Harbour Street in Lerwick. The SAA organises a number of fishing competitions during the season running separate boat and bank leagues and the visiting angler will be made most welcome at these. Details will be supplied with your permit.
You can also buy a permit online from the Association's website.
Boats for hire – The Association has several boats for hire, and at present these are located at the following lochs – Loch of Benston, Loch of Asta, Loch of Northouse, Loch of Clousta, Loch of Tingwall, Sulma Water and Punds Water. These can change, but details of boat locations and hire can be got from the tackle shop.
Clubhouse – The SAA owns an unlicensed clubhouse, situated in Burns Lane in Lerwick, to which the visiting angler is most welcome. Hours of opening are from 8.30pm and 11.00pm on most Tuesdays and Fridays.
Waters nearby
Waters within 5 miles of Loch of Strom