Black Loch
Mainland, Shetland
Bea Loch lies in the low ground of the Orkney Islands, barely half a kilometre from the coast. It is a small loch of rou ...
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Loch of Vatster
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.
Spring tides now — through 18 Aug
Sea trout run Jun–Sep, peak Aug
Moderate 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.
Moderate 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.
Very small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Loch of Vatster lies in the low ground of the Shetland Islands, roughly a kilometre from the coast. It is a very small loch of around 9 hectares, shallow but of moderate depth for its size, with a moderately irregular shoreline that offers a handful of bays and points. The geology here is metamorphic, and the water carries moderate alkalinity — more productive than the acidic peaty lochs common to much of Shetland.
The loch has a history as a sea trout water, and the local association has stocked it with young sea trout in an effort to restore something of those earlier runs. Brown trout are present throughout, averaging around eight ounces, with occasional fish to a pound and above.
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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