Loch of Girlsta
Mainland, Shetland
Loch of Girlsta lies just inland on the east side of Mainland, set to the east of the A970 between Lerwick and Hillside. ...
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James Allan
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Sand Water
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.
Next spring tides: 30 Jul – 2 Aug
Sea trout run Jun–Sep, peak Aug
High 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.
Small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Sand Water lies immediately west of the A970 Lerwick/Hillside road and is bounded on the north by the B9075 to Weisdale, low-lying and close to the sea. The loch covers roughly 37 hectares, extending about 0.8 km north–south and 0.4 km across. It is shallow throughout, with a mean depth of around 4 m, and has high alkalinity. The margin is varied with several small bays and low points; exposed to the wind, the water can turn dark and coloured in strong blows.
The loch holds brown trout averaging about 8 oz. Wading is straightforward, and fish can be taken throughout the water, though from midsummer, weed growth becomes a factor. There is a chance of a sea trout from July onwards that enter from the Loch of Strom. For the brownies, the east shore is favoured, particularly the bays separated by the headland.
Access is easy from both the A970 and the B9075, with the east bank reached directly from the roadside.
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