Fly fishing at Papil Water, Fetlar, Shetland

About this water

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.

Location

Photos

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.