Loch of Winyadepla
Fetlar, Shetland
Loch of Winyadepla lies close to the coast on low ground, set among open country where the land leans gently seaward. It ...
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Skutes 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.
Very small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Skutes Water lies on Fetlar in low ground close to the coast, about a kilometre from the sea. It is a very small, shallow loch of roughly 9 hectares, with a mean depth of about 3 m, high alkalinity and a simple, rounded shoreline.
The water is largely featureless, but there is good wading all round. You can wade the full length of the western shore, fan-casting your flies towards the bank and back to the drop-off. Trout average about 12 oz, with some larger fish. The loch lies within a bird reserve; please avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Access is straightforward, by a short walk east for a few hundred metres to the water along the line shown.
Duration
00:04
Distance
0.33 km
Ascent
63.68m
Difficulty
5 / 100
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.
Papil Water
Fetlar, Shetland
Papil Water lies behind Tresta Beach on Fetlar, close to the sea and at low elevation. It is a small, shallow loch of ro ...