Sandy Loch

Water managed by Shetland Anglers Association

Type

Lake

Species

Brown trout

High alkalinity

Very shallow

Low shoreline complexity

Low elevation

Small

OS Map: 466 – Explorer

HU 44991 40305

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.

Fishing permits can be purchased at either the Lerwick Tourist Office or the tackle shop, Rod and Line, which is in Harbour Street in Lerwick. The SAA organises a number of fishing competitions during the season running separate boat and bank leagues and the visiting angler will be made most welcome at these. Details will be supplied with your permit.

You can also buy a permit online from the Association's website.

Unfortunately, the association no longer rents boats to visiting anglers.

Clubhouse – The SAA owns an unlicensed clubhouse, situated in Burns Lane in Lerwick, to which the visiting angler is most welcome. Hours of opening are from 8.30pm and 11.00pm on most Tuesdays and Fridays.

Legal rules apply to this water on top of any fishery rules. Fishing bylaws in Scotland

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.