Angling in Shetland
Being an archipelago, Shetland is naturally surrounded by water. This, as you may expect, makes it a gold mine for anglers with opportunities to take to the seas as well as head inland to lochs and rivers, options which are not only extremely accessible but also within close reach of each other. This article will take you through some of the reasons why Shetland is viewed as one of the finest destinations not only for angling in Scotland but in the whole of Europe.
Sea Angling
Angling in Shetland is extremely popular, both among locals and the many visitors who visit throughout the year in all seasons to make the most of Shetland’s rich waters. Shetland’s landscape, specifically the fragmented mosaic of islands, means that there is a seemingly endless amount of coastline and importantly, an awful lot of sea to fish in.
So what can you expect to catch in the seas around Shetland? Mackerel, Ling, and Haddock are very populous around the islands and make for great eating too. For more of a physical challenge and a rarer catch, you can also find large halibut and the unusual-looking Porbeagle Shark in Shetland’s waters.
Lochs and Rivers
While sea angling is popular in its own right, inland is where angling in Shetland really takes off. Trout fishing in Scotland is a massive draw for tourists and enthusiasts, and Shetland is home to some of the best trout fishing locations bar none.
With immaculate lochs, pristine rivers, and an irresistible landscape, the scenery is inviting enough for those contemplating a fishing trip to Shetland. However, it isn’t just the scenery. Shetland is home to some of the highest quality wild brown trout in the world, music to the ears of any keen fly fishing enthusiast. This is thanks to the fantastic standards of care provided by the Shetland Angler’s Association for nearly a century, ensuring that the natural environment is perfect for healthy fish to grow in great numbers.
Another key attraction is the fact that you can fish in all of Shetland’s lochs (over 300 of them) using just one seasonal permit, which can be bought here.
Where should you go?
A visit to Spiggie Loch in the South Mainland is highly recommended. This picturesque loch is abundant with trout of a decent size, but keep in mind that it's a fly fishing-only loch. Nearby, you'll find Broo, Clumlie, and Vatster, which are all worth exploring.
Don't miss out on Loch Tingwall and Loch Asta, as these lochs are almost interconnected and should certainly be on your fishing itinerary. In recent years, the trout in Tingwall have tended to feed near the bottom, so if things appear slow, give the more forthcoming trout of Loch Asta a try. If you enjoy hiking, consider visiting the chain of hill lochs to the west of Tingwall for a delightful day out.
Known for their sizeable fish, Loch Girlsta, Loch Benston, and Loch Houlland have the potential to produce trout weighing over 3lbs and above. In Shetland, the key to successful angling is switching between different lochs rather than persisting with changing flies in uncooperative waters.
For anglers visiting Shetland's Westside for the first time, selecting the best fishing spots might seem overwhelming. It's advisable to initially focus on the lochs along the Clousta road, such as Northhouse, Vaara, Clousta, and Clingswater. Additionally, a day spent exploring the Sandness and West Burrafirth roads is highly recommended. If you're targeting large fish, try Upper Brouster, where wild brown trout reaching impressive sizes can be found due to the abundant feeding opportunities.
Northmavine is another fantastic location for fishing. The Eshaness lochs consistently yield specimen fish, especially during the early season, and the breathtaking scenery adds to the experience. Along the roadside, don't overlook Haggrister, Punds Water, and Eela Water, as they are worth spending an hour or two at.
Shetland is truly a marvellous place to visit and among the best places for angling in Scotland, so if you can, take the trip up to the islands and make the most of these incredibly rich waters.
Looking for something adventurous?
Why not view all of the magnificent sights of the Shetland Islands from above? Among the most awe-inspiring things to do in Shetland, is to take in the magnificent lochs, stunning beaches, historical sites and more from an aerial perspective. Call 01595 840246 or email lwk.ops@airtask.com to secure your place on the only scenic flights available in Shetland.
How do you get to the Shetland Islands?
The most common ways to travel to the islands are either arriving by ferry or by getting flights to Shetland. At Airtask, we offer Shetland inter-island flights, operating passenger services between Lerwick, departing from Tingwall Airport, to both Foula and Fair Isle. For more information and flight scheduling, please click here.