Hulma Water
Mainland, Shetland
Hulma Water lies in the low ground of Shetland's west mainland, barely a mile from the coast and close to the A971 road. ...
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David Nicolson
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Sand Water
Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
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.
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.
Sand Water lies close to the Shetland coast, barely a kilometre from the sea, in low ground where peat dominates the catchment. It is a small loch of roughly 17 hectares, shallow to moderate in depth, with a simple, rounded outline and a short fetch across its surface. Despite the peaty surrounds, the water carries high alkalinity, making it more productive than many Shetland lochs of similar character.
The loch holds wild brown trout in the six to eight ounce range, typical of the hill lochs hereabouts.
Sand Water is reached on foot from Hulma Water, heading north-west from its west end. The walk takes around ten minutes across open ground, the route climbing gently before the loch comes into view.
Distance
1.45 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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