Stillwater · Peat · Shetland / West Mainland, GB-SCT

Longa Water

View across Longa Water, a small moorland loch on Valla Field near Westing, Unst, Shetland.

A long, narrow peat loch on the west side of Shetland Mainland, stretching north-south through open moorland.

Fair · Trout
Sedgehog · 10-12
A respectable few hours, if you choose your moments
Good wave on — drift country. A useful wave. Work the productive shore.
49% confidence
limited data

Longa Water is often best in spring through autumn.

What moved it
  • WindW 19 km/hGentle breeze
Today's fly
Sedgehog
Sedgehog10-12
High-confidence seasonal pick
Conditions on the water
Live gauge
Wind
Gentle breeze
W 19 km/h
N
W
from the west
Wave40 cm chop
Water temp—
Air temp12°C
CloudOvercast
Pressure1012 hPa
Rain · recent0.0 mm

Some readings unavailable — check directly before fishing.

How to fish it · for Trout
When
May-August
Where
Set up a broadside drift and cover the water systematically. Work Sedgehog on the bob and Mini Lure on the point.
The plan
Plan A

Set up a broadside drift and cover the water systematically. Work Sedgehog on the bob and Mini Lure on the point.

Plan B

If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.

Watch for

Daddy Longlegs may strengthen through the middle of the day as conditions warm.

Boat — drift

A gentle ripple is ideal for drifting — broadside drift covering the wind lanes should be productive.

Sub-surface · on the nymphunder the surface

Hatch predictions

Top nymph shown — see all 4 guilds with Pro.

Start free trial

14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

Beyond the hatch · worth watchingambient prey

Hatch predictions

Top prey shown — see all 5 with Pro.

Start free trial

14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

Through the year
0–3 scale · August highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
Daddy Long LegsHatch
2
3
2
Murrough (Great Red Sedge)Hatch
2
3
2
Black MidgeHatch
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
Lake OliveHatch
1
2
2
2
2
2
1

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Ranked for today
Trout fly box

A very distinctive mixed style: bushy top droppers, sedgehogs, snatchers, midge imitations, Pennels and mini lures all have a place.

ML
Mini Lure
10-12 · Pattern
Proven pattern for this period
Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • Shetland Anglers Association permit.
What's coming
Plan ahead
5-day outlook
Condition match
59%
Cloud50%
Wind65%
Temp60%

A reasonable day here, though cloud isn't quite in the sweet spot.

Other water nearby · 4
Lunga Water
17 km
Brown trout · Sea trout
Loch of Vaara
22 km
Brown trout · Sea trout
Loch of Sulma
24 km
Brown trout
Tingwall Area Lochs
37 km
Brown trout
Gallery · 2
  1. View across Longa Water, a small moorland loch on Valla Field near Westing, Unst, Shetland.
    Longa Water on Valla Field, near Westing, Unst -- a small Shetland loch known for brown trout.
  2. Terrain map of the venue
    Terrain map
About this water

A long, narrow peat loch on the west side of Shetland Mainland, stretching north-south through open moorland. Longa Water is less visited than the Tingwall lochs but offers excellent wild brown trout fishing in a more remote setting. The peat-stained water suits darker fly patterns. The loch's orientation means it channels the prevailing south-westerly wind perfectly for drifting. Trout are modest in size but numerous and willing. A good choice when the more popular waters feel crowded (which in Shetland means two other anglers visible on the horizon).

  • Loch
  • Peat
Why this score
  • Daddy Longlegs are in their seasonal window, boosting the chance of targeted feeding.
Directions
Apple MapsGoogle Maps
Seasons & zones
  • Trout 15 March → 6 October
Related guides
Scotland Playbookloch & river fishingThermal Layers & Troutreading depth and temperatureEuro Nymphingsubsurface methods
Booking & contacts