RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the Main River Chew

Largest measured european eel: 71.7 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Chew was 71.7 cm, recorded at Pensford (Te) on 15 May 2002.

Across 585 measured european eel, the median measured length was 23.5 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 264 european eel. The median was 1.7 oz (0.0485 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 1 lb 12.6 oz (0.81 kg).

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 Chew.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation18 July 2023Chewton Keynsham · 1 fish
Largest measured european eel
71.7 cm
Median length
23.5 cm
Fish measured
585
Survey locations
8

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
71.7 cm15 May 2002Pensford (Te)51980
64.8 cm13 Aug 2003Pensford (Te)76668
59.5 cm19 Jul 2016Stanton Drew (Te)148608
59 cm8 Jul 2003Downstream Chew Valley Lake (Te)76361
57.8 cm13 Aug 2003Pensford (Te)76668
56.4 cm3 Sept 2003Keynsham Park (Te)76926
54.6 cm3 Sept 2003Keynsham Park (Te)76926
53 cm9 Aug 2006Pensford (Te)100829
53 cm15 May 2002Pensford (Te)51980
52.5 cm13 Aug 2003Pensford (Te)76668

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
Chewton Keynsham4 Sept 200718 Jul 20234
Stanton Drew (Te)31 Aug 200511 Jul 202311
Pensford (Te)15 May 20026 Jul 202311
Keynsham Park (Te)3 Sept 200329 Jun 20239
Compton Dando (Te)20 Jun 200327 Jun 20238
Chew Magna5 Jul 20115 Jul 20111
Downstream Chew Valley Lake (Te)8 Jul 200313 Jul 20042
Byemills5 Sept 20025 Sept 20021

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

2002–2023

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 585 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
7 cm
Lower quarter
17.5 cm
Median
23.5 cm
Upper quarter
34 cm
Largest
71.7 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 264 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
0.1 oz (0.002 kg)
Lower quarter
0.7 oz (0.0208 kg)
Median
1.7 oz (0.0485 kg)
Upper quarter
3.3 oz (0.0932 kg)
Heaviest
1 lb 12.6 oz (0.81 kg)

These are direct individual weights recorded by Environment Agency surveyors. Combined bulk weights are not included.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Chew

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

Bullhead Roach Minnow Stone loach Brown / sea trout Gudgeon

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 →