Skutes Water
Fetlar, Shetland
Skutes Water lies on Fetlar in low ground close to the coast, about a kilometre from the sea. It is a very small, shallo ...
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Papil 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.
Small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Papil Water lies behind Tresta Beach on Fetlar, close to the sea and at low elevation. It is a small, shallow loch of roughly 24 hectares, with low alkalinity and a simple, rounded shoreline. An isthmus separates it from the bay, and Fetlar church stands on the south‑east shore.
Access is easy: park at the Tresta Beach car park, walk out onto the isthmus and on towards the westerly shore, the longest and easiest bank to fish. Wading is good along this side. Wild camping is allowed in the field that is the Tresta Beach car park.
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 Winyadepla
Fetlar, Shetland
Loch of Winyadepla lies close to the coast on low ground, set among open country where the land leans gently seaward. It ...
Loch of Vatsetter
Yell, Shetland
Loch of Vatsetter lies just behind the Wick of Vatsetter, separated from the sea by a narrow isthmus. It is a small, sha ...