Mussel Loch

Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association

Type

Lake

Species

Brown trout

High alkalinity

Shallow

Low shoreline complexity

Low elevation

Very small

OS Map: 468 – Explorer

HU 47200 79000

Mussel Loch lies close to the sea, set among low coastal ground a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal. It is a very small water of roughly 7 hectares and shallow throughout, with a simple, rounded shoreline. Low-lying and notably alkaline, it sits just above sea level.

The loch holds mainly small brown trout, and weed becomes a nuisance in the second half of the season. Access is straightforward: walk from the ferry terminal across level ground to reach the loch in a few minutes.

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.

Unfortunately, the association no longer rents boats to visiting anglers.

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.

Legal rules apply to this water on top of any fishery rules. Fishing bylaws in Scotland

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.