252
a stunning loch
Whalsay, Shetland

Loch of Vatshoull

water managed by Shetland Anglers Association

Directions
Low alkalinity Shallow Moderate shoreline complexity Low elevation Very small
Image © Copyright Des Blenkinsopp and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. More information about this image at Geograph.

Loch Vats-houll lies close to the sea, set on low ground. It is a very small, shallow loch of roughly 8 hectares, with low alkalinity and a gently varied shoreline. The water is a simple basin with depths of only a few metres.

The loch holds trout averaging 10 to 12 ounces. Wading is mostly good, but take care on slippery stones at the edge; weed growth increases from mid-season.

Access is easy from the road that runs round the north eastern shore.

  • Whalsay, Shetland
  • Lake
  • Brown 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 Vatshoull

Loch of Isbister
Whalsay, Shetland
1

Brown trout average about 12 ounces with the odd better fish. Best fishing is on the shore nearest the road and wading is awkward in some places with ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Nuckro Water
Whalsay, Shetland
2

A small, dour loch which can produce some very good fish. Easy access and wading is not recommended. The western bay weeds up quickly from early summe ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
East loch of Skaw
Whalsay, Shetland
3

A small, shallow loch lying beside the island’s golf course at the end of the Skaw road. The fish average 12 ounces and there are better fish up to 3 ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Loch of Livister
Whalsay, Shetland
4

A short easy walk to the north of Huxter, this smaller loch can also produce good quality fish of more than 3 pounds. Wading is not necessary as fish ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Loch of Huxter
Whalsay, Shetland
5

A large loch with easy access where the brown trout average 12 ounces but the loch can produce much larger fish. Wading is awkward except in the south ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Loch of Sandwick
Whalsay, Shetland
6

This is the nearest to Symbister and hold fish which average 12 ounces with some up to 2 pounds. Wading is difficult and the loch weeds up badly from ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout