Trebister Loch
Mainland, Shetland
This small loch lies a few minutes drive south of Lerwick. Brown trout average about 10 ounces but there are fish of mor ...
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Mike Pennington
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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.
Rules
Biosecurity
Clean your gear
The loch is infested with New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii). Remove all weed fragments from waders and landing nets after fishing to stop it from spreading to other lochs.
Fishery-wide rules
Fish limits & sizes
Minimum sizes
- Brown trout 10 inches (254 mm); sea trout 12 inches (305 mm).
- Undersized fish must be returned.
Protected fish
All wild salmon and grilse, and all Arctic char, must be returned alive.
Permitted methods
Methods
- Fly fishing and spinning are allowed on most association lochs.
- Worm fishing is discouraged for adults (due to the risk of deep-hooking) but accepted for juniors.
Byelaws
One rod per angler
Only one rod may be used at a time per angler.
No Sunday fishing
Sunday fishing for sea trout and salmon is prohibited across all waters, regardless of land ownership or permit.
All salmon must be released
Under the Salmon Conservation Regulations (in force since 1 April 2016), Shetland is a Grade 3 area — it is a criminal offence to kill any salmon caught here. All salmon must be released by law, regardless of condition. The exception is fish clearly of farmed origin.
Protected wildlife
Nesting birds
It is a criminal offence to disturb nesting wild birds, including Schedule 1 species. Many nest beside lochs. Avoid any loch holding Red-throated Divers. Several lochs are SSSIs with legally binding conditions of use.
Club rules
Report salmon caught
All salmon caught and released must be reported to the Shetland Anglers Association via the contact page.
Season
Brown trout
15 Mar – 6 Oct
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