224
a stunning loch

Loch of Watsness

water managed by Shetland Anglers Association

High alkalinity Shallow Moderate shoreline complexity Low elevation Very small

In the past this loch was said to be fishless but the Association introduced brown trout in the mid to late 1990’s and some decent fish have been caught since. A shallow loch which should be waded with care.

  • Mainland, 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 Watsness

Loch of Sung
Mainland, Shetland
1

This small, shallow water is a short walk from the road and holds brown trout of an 8oz average. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Sma Lochs
Mainland, Shetland
2

A ten minute walk west of Lunga water takes you to these small lochs which hold good quality fish of 8 to 12 oz. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Stanevatstoe Loch
Mainland, Shetland
3

A weedy, roadside loch which holds mostly small trout. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Lunga Water
Mainland, Shetland
4

Lies close to the road and there is deep water close to the shore and wading is not really required. Expect native hill loch trout of 8oz and there ar ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Burga Water
Mainland, Shetland
5

This is a large, deep loch with average sized loch trout and the two small lochs to the south east hold good numbers of 6oz brownies. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Mousavord Loch
Mainland, Shetland
6

A large, deep loch with typical hill-loch trout of 6 to 8oz brownies. There is deep water close to shore for most of the shoreline. Best place to star ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Loch of Flatpunds
Mainland, Shetland
7

A dark, rocky loch with small, dark trout which average about 8 ounces. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Djuba Water
Mainland, Shetland
8

A deep, dark water with deep water close to shore with good quality fish which average about 12oz. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Mousa Water
Mainland, Shetland
9

This is a small, dour water which is little fished but there are a few decent fish here. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout
Daney’s Loch
Mainland, Shetland
10

There are some large, good quality fish here but numbers are low and they are not easy to catch. ...

  • lake
  • Brown trout