RiverFish

Bitterling · Rhodeus sericeus

Bitterling in the Counter Drain

Largest measured bitterling: 9 cm

The largest bitterling measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Counter Drain was 9 cm, recorded at Welney on 21 March 2023.

Across 17 measured bitterling, the median measured length was 6.2 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 bitterling records across England →

Most recent observation10 June 2026Welney · 3 fish
Largest measured bitterling
9 cm
Median length
6.2 cm
Fish measured
17
Survey locations
2

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured bitterling

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
9 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.8 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.8 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.8 cm24 Apr 2017Welney150366
6.7 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.6 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.3 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.2 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.2 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295
6.1 cm21 Mar 2023Welney162295

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

Explore the river

Where bitterling were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one bitterling 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 bitterling
Welney24 Apr 201710 Jun 20263
Salters Lode25 Apr 201731 Mar 20263

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

2017–2026

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded bitterling that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 17 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
4.2 cm
Lower quarter
6 cm
Median
6.2 cm
Upper quarter
6.7 cm
Largest
9 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 →