RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the Main River Axe

Largest measured european eel: 39.4 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Axe was 39.4 cm, recorded at Slymlake Farm (Dip) on 17 June 2010.

Across 295 measured european eel, the median measured length was 13.6 cm.

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

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation5 June 2025Axe Ford (Te) · 1 fish
Largest measured european eel
39.4 cm
Median length
13.6 cm
Fish measured
295
Survey locations
22

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured european eel

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
39.4 cm17 Jun 2010Slymlake Farm (Dip)122402
38 cm7 Jun 2017Axe Ford (Te)150648
35.1 cm31 Aug 2007Slymlake Farm (Dip)106726
35 cm20 May 2024Woodhayne (5 min)164914
33.6 cm17 Jun 2010Slymlake Farm (Dip)122402
33 cm14 Jul 2016Clapton (Sp)148473
32.5 cm14 Jul 2016Clapton (Sp)148473
32.4 cm17 Jun 2010Slymlake Farm (Dip)122402
32 cm15 Jun 2010Forde Abbey (Sp/WFD)122405
32 cm14 Jun 2010Clapton (Sp)122423

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

Explore the river

Where european eel were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one european eel 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 european eel
Axe Ford (Te)28 May 20045 Jun 20256
Wadbrook Farm (5 min)8 Aug 20237 Jun 20242
Weycroft (5 min)1 Aug 19974 Jun 20244
Upstream Whitford Bridge (5 min)1 Aug 20234 Jun 20242
Upstream Willhay Lane Br (5 min)3 Jun 20243 Jun 20241
Broom Bridge (5 min)8 Aug 202330 May 20242
Upstream Kilmington STW (5 min)17 May 202321 May 20242
Axminster Showground (5 min)21 May 202421 May 20241
Woodhayne (5 min)1 Aug 202320 May 20242
Nunford Bridge (5 min)1 Aug 202320 May 20242
Bagley Hill (5 min)27 Jul 202327 Jul 20231
Upstream Bow Bridge (5 min)21 Jul 202321 Jul 20231
Slymlake Farm (Dip)15 Sept 199718 May 20237
Downstream Slymlake (5 min)18 May 202318 May 20231
Downstream Kilmington STW (Dip)25 May 202218 May 20232
Axe-Yarty Confluence (Dip)*15 Sept 199717 May 20235
Axminster Town Weir (Sp)4 Aug 199721 Jul 20216
Forde Abbey (Sp/WFD)31 Jul 199720 Jul 20217
Clapton (Sp)30 Jul 199719 Jul 20216
Bere Chapel (Sp)*30 Jul 199716 May 20065
A3052 - Axe Bridge (Dip)*15 Sept 199730 Jun 20042
Seaborough (Sp)*30 Jul 199728 May 20043

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

1997–2025

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded european eel that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 295 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
6 cm
Lower quarter
11 cm
Median
13.6 cm
Upper quarter
19.2 cm
Largest
39.4 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Axe

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

Bullhead Minnow Stone loach Brown / sea trout Atlantic salmon 3-spined stickleback

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 →