Papil Water
Fetlar, Shetland
Papil Water lies behind Tresta Beach on Fetlar, close to the sea and at low elevation. It is a small, shallow loch of ro ...
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Loch of Vatsetter
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
High 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.
Low 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.
Small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Loch of Vatsetter lies just behind the Wick of Vatsetter, separated from the sea by a narrow isthmus. It is a small, shallow water of roughly 28 hectares, low-lying and close to the shore. The water is generally clear, with high alkalinity, and the shoreline is simple and rounded.
The loch holds mainly small trout, with the chance of sea trout, and the coastal situation makes it a pleasant water to fish. Access is straightforward from the isthmus between sea and loch, where you can park, camp and picnic on the strip of land before wandering the banks.
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.
Loch of Vollister
Yell, Shetland
Loch of Vollister lies on low ground a short distance from the sea. It is a very small, shallow water of roughly six hec ...