RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the Main River Erme

Largest measured european eel: 50 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Erme was 50 cm, recorded at Lower Piles (Te)* on 27 August 2008.

Across 162 measured european eel, the median measured length was 22 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 Erme.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation29 July 2026Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te) · 13 fish
Largest measured european eel
50 cm
Median length
22 cm
Fish measured
162
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
50 cm27 Aug 2008Lower Piles (Te)*113466
45 cm28 Aug 2008Upstream Intake Weir*113582
43.3 cm18 Sept 2007Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)106778
42 cm18 Aug 2009Lower Piles (Te)*118400
41.9 cm18 Sept 2007Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)106778
40.4 cm18 Sept 2007Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)106778
40.1 cm18 Sept 2007Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)106778
40 cm8 Aug 2025Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)178421
40 cm18 Jul 2013Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)137914
39.2 cm18 Sept 2007Fawns Bridge (Dip/5 min)108443

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
Downstream Ivybridge STW (Te)11 Sept 199729 Jul 202614
Keaton Weir (5 min)15 Sept 202315 Sept 20231
Fawns Bridge (Dip/5 min)10 Sept 199715 Sept 20235
Downstream Ivybridge (5 min)5 Sept 20235 Sept 20231
Fawns Bridge Rec Ground (Sp)*4 Jul 201118 Jul 20133
Lower Piles (Te)*9 Sept 199718 Aug 20097
Upstream Intake Weir*28 Aug 200828 Aug 20081
Tinners Hut Downstream Intake*28 Aug 200828 Aug 20081

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

1997–2026

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 162 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
6.7 cm
Lower quarter
13 cm
Median
22 cm
Upper quarter
28 cm
Largest
50 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Erme

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

Brown / sea trout Atlantic salmon Bullhead Minnow Stone loach

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 →