Fly fishing at Skutes Water, Fetlar, Shetland

About this water

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.

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.