Smerla Water
Mainland, Shetland
Smerla Water lies in open moorland south of the Loch of Gonfirth on Mainland Shetland. It is a small, shallow loch of ro ...
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David Nicolson
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Marrowfield Water
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
Low 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.
Very small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Marrofield Water lies on Mainland Shetland, not far from the sea, set among low, open moor. It is a very small, shallow loch of roughly 6 hectares, averaging about 4 m in depth, with low alkalinity and a simple, rounded outline. The bottom is peaty.
Trout average two or three to the pound. The margins are soft and there are few places where wading is safe. Access is on foot from the north: the route trends south-southeast for just under 3 km, with some short climbs across the moor, to reach the loch.
Duration
00:48
Distance
2.84 km
Ascent
152.0m
Difficulty
40 / 100
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.
Season
Brown trout
15 Mar – 6 Oct
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