RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the Main River Coly

Largest measured european eel: 55 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Coly was 55 cm, recorded at Upstream Colyford (Sp) on 29 June 2023.

Across 329 measured european eel, the median measured length was 16 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 Coly.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation11 July 2025Upstream Cadhayne (Te) · 1 fish
Largest measured european eel
55 cm
Median length
16 cm
Fish measured
329
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
55 cm29 Jun 2023Upstream Colyford (Sp)163850
51 cm15 Jun 2009Heathayne (Te)*117362
49.2 cm15 Jun 2009Heathayne (Te)*117362
47.5 cm27 Jun 2013Heathayne (Te)*137027
46.5 cm15 Jun 2021Upstream Colyford (Sp)159924
44 cm31 May 2023Woodbridge (Sp)162843
41.2 cm15 Jun 2009Heathayne (Te)*117362
39 cm15 Jun 2021Upstream Colyford (Sp)159924
39 cm7 Jul 2016Upstream Cadhayne (Te)148398
38.5 cm12 Jun 2017Upstream Cadhayne (Te)150670

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
Upstream Cadhayne (Te)7 Jul 201611 Jul 20257
Upstream Colyford (5 min)29 Jun 202324 May 20242
Upstream Chantry Bridge (5 min)30 Jun 202324 May 20242
Downstream FT BR Cadhayne (5 min)30 Jun 202330 Jun 20231
Upstream Colyford (Sp)18 Jul 199729 Jun 20238
Colemans Cross (5 min)28 Jun 202328 Jun 20231
Woodbridge (Sp)18 Jul 199731 May 20236
Heathayne (Te)*22 Jul 199710 Jun 201514

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 329 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
6.5 cm
Lower quarter
11.4 cm
Median
16 cm
Upper quarter
25.9 cm
Largest
55 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Coly

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

Brown / sea trout Bullhead Stone loach Minnow Atlantic salmon

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 →