RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the Counter Drain

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 7 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Counter Drain was 7 cm, recorded at Salters Lode on 28 March 2014.

Across 7 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 4.5 cm.

RiverFish uses Environment Agency survey measurements rather than rod-and-line angling records. These figures show fish measured during EA surveys of the Counter Drain.

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation5 March 2026Mepal · 1 fish
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
7 cm
Median length
4.5 cm
Fish measured
7
Survey locations
3

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback

The largest individual measurements in this river and species dataset. Equal measurements are retained as separate surveyed fish.

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
7 cm28 Mar 2014Salters Lode140562
6.8 cm28 Mar 2014Salters Lode140562
5.6 cm28 Mar 2014Salters Lode140562
4.5 cm27 Apr 2003Salters Lode75799
4.1 cm12 Apr 2011Vandervells Lake126085
4 cm27 Apr 2003Salters Lode75799
3.8 cm5 Mar 2026Mepal180673

Lengths are direct survey measurements. RiverFish does not estimate fish weights from length.

Explore the river

Where 3-spined stickleback were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one 3-spined stickleback record.

Choose a point on the map to see what was recorded there.

Map points are approximate and don’t show fishing access. Check local permissions before visiting.

Place surveyedFirst recordedLast recordedVisits finding 3-spined stickleback
Mepal5 Mar 20265 Mar 20261
Salters Lode27 Apr 200328 Mar 20142
Vandervells Lake12 Apr 201112 Apr 20111

Choose a point or table row to see the location. More survey visits can mean more records, but not necessarily more fish.

2003–2026

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded 3-spined stickleback that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 7 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
3.8 cm
Lower quarter
4.1 cm
Median
4.5 cm
Upper quarter
6.2 cm
Largest
7 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Counter Drain

Compare other species with enough survey and measurement data for a detailed page.

Spined loach Perch Pike Roach Common bream Tench

Before you fish

Good to know

These are past survey records, so the fish present today may be different. Map points are approximate—check local access, permissions and fishing rules before visiting.

Learn how RiverFish uses the data →