Fly fishing at Mussel Loch, Yell, Shetland

About this water

Mussel Loch lies close to the sea, set among low coastal ground a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal. It is a very small water of roughly 7 hectares and shallow throughout, with a simple, rounded shoreline. Low-lying and notably alkaline, it sits just above sea level.

The loch holds mainly small brown trout, and weed becomes a nuisance in the second half of the season. Access is straightforward: walk from the ferry terminal across level ground to reach the loch in a few minutes.

Location

Photos

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.