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Sandy Loch

Sandy Loch

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.
Very 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.

Sandy Loch is a small, very shallow reservoir of roughly 42 hectares, lying close to the coast in the low ground of the Shetland Islands. Despite its high alkalinity, the catchment is dominated by peat, and the water is correspondingly dark. The shoreline is broadly simple in outline, with a fetch of just over a kilometre across the open water.

The reservoir serves as the public water supply for Lerwick. The trout run small and dark, coloured by the peaty water, and wading is not recommended — the bottom is treacherous in places and best left well alone.

A track runs from the main road along the east and north shores, making the water straightforward to reach and fish from the bank.

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