RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the Main River Tale

Largest measured european eel: 48 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Tale was 48 cm, recorded at D/s Colliton Bridge (Te) on 5 June 2015.

Across 84 measured european eel, the median measured length was 26 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 Tale.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation9 June 2025D/s Colliton Bridge (Te) · 4 fish
Largest measured european eel
48 cm
Median length
26 cm
Fish measured
84
Survey locations
3

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
48 cm5 Jun 2015D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)145121
45.2 cm28 May 2009D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)117390
43 cm17 Jun 2019D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)154690
42 cm24 May 2023D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)162841
42 cm30 Jun 2016D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)148327
39 cm22 Jun 2010D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)122403
38.8 cm16 Jun 2008D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)111724
37.7 cm17 Jun 2011Taleford (Sp*/WFDi*)*126568
36.7 cm18 Aug 2007D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)108791
35.5 cm5 Jun 2015D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)145121

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
D/s Colliton Bridge (Te)26 Aug 19989 Jun 202521
Taleford (Sp*/WFDi*)*13 Aug 199817 Jun 20113
Lane End (Sp)*24 Aug 199824 Aug 19981

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

1998–2025

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 84 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
8.6 cm
Lower quarter
20.9 cm
Median
26 cm
Upper quarter
32.3 cm
Largest
48 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Tale

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

Brown / sea trout Bullhead 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 →