Swabie Water
water managed by Shetland Anglers Association
As soon as I set eyes on Swabie water I knew that bigger fish must lurk among the many points, peninsulas, bays and islands.
For a small water, this loch has everything packed in. She’s a beauty.
One of our group caught a much better fish in the deeper water to the north. People will be annoyed that I’ve posted a photo of this rare fish here, but the fish had a severe open wound on its jaw. The Maxilla, the bone that forms the external upper jaws of the mouth, was broken and protruded through the skin.
I can only imagine that a treble hook caused this compound fracture accompanied by some poor fish handling. A hill loch trout of this size is rare and a decade old.
Please always use single barbless hooks and never use trebles. Treble hooks should be banned.
Return all large fish unharmed. They are the survivors, with genetic qualities that have compounded their stature and breeding capacity dwarfing that of smaller fish.
We caught mainly small fish of 6 ounces and one very large trout on our visit.
The north end and east shore is deep. The southern shore shelves off gradually and is good for wading. This area has some weed too.
- Mainland, Shetland
- Lake
- Brown trout
Permission & Tickets
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.
Boats for hire – The Association has several boats for hire, and at present these are located at the following lochs – Loch of Benston, Loch of Asta, Loch of Northouse, Loch of Clousta, Loch of Tingwall, Sulma Water and Punds Water. These can change, but details of boat locations and hire can be got from the tackle shop.
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.
Waters nearby
Waters within 5 miles of Swabie Water