Loch of Sotersta
Mainland, Shetland
Sand Water is the best of the three with hard fighting trout which average nearly a pound with fish of more than two pou ...
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Sand 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.
Sand Water lies close to the Shetland coast, barely a third of a kilometre from the sea, in low, open ground typical of these northern islands. It is a very small loch of just under 5 hectares, with a simple, rounded outline and a moderate depth for its size. The water is clear rather than peaty, reflecting the low-lying ground around it.
The fishing here is notably good. Trout average close to a pound and fish of over two pounds have been taken, making Sand Water the pick of the lochs in this area. The wading is mostly straightforward, and the clear water allows fish to be spotted and stalked with care. The loch has been stocked in the past by the Shetland Angling Association.
Access is a short walk of well under a kilometre from the road to the east, following a gentle line across the low ground to reach the loch.
Distance
0.39 km
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.
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