RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the Main River Torridge

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 6.2 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Torridge was 6.2 cm, recorded at Downstream Haytown Bridge (Te) on 3 July 2017.

Across 7 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.6 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 Torridge.

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation8 August 2024Upstream Gidcott Mill (Sp) · 1 fish
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
6.2 cm
Median length
3.6 cm
Fish measured
7
Survey locations
8

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
6.2 cm3 Jul 2017Downstream Haytown Bridge (Te)150813
4.9 cm27 Jun 2024Putford Bridge (Sp)165394
4.5 cm27 Jun 2024Putford Bridge (Sp)165394
3.6 cm26 Sept 2007Dippermill (Dip/WFD)108573
3 cm26 Sept 2007Dippermill (Dip/WFD)108573
2.5 cm3 Jul 2017Downstream Haytown Bridge (Te)150813
1.1 cm8 Aug 2024Upstream Gidcott Mill (Sp)166353

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

Explore the river

Where 3-spined stickleback were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one 3-spined stickleback 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 3-spined stickleback
Upstream Gidcott Mill (Sp)8 Aug 20248 Aug 20241
Putford Bridge (Sp)24 Jun 201127 Jun 20242
Downstream Haytown Bridge (Te)28 Sept 20043 Jul 20173
Newton Mill (Sp)*5 Aug 20115 Aug 20111
Dippermill (Dip/WFD)4 Oct 200126 Sept 20072
Downstream Horton Bridge (Te)16 Sept 200416 Sept 20041
Downstream Hele Bridge (Dip)4 Oct 20014 Oct 20011
1km Downstream Hele Bridge (Dip)*4 Oct 20014 Oct 20011

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

2001–2024

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded 3-spined stickleback that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 7 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.1 cm
Lower quarter
2.8 cm
Median
3.6 cm
Upper quarter
4.7 cm
Largest
6.2 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Torridge

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

Bullhead Atlantic salmon Minnow Stone loach Brown / sea trout European eel

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 →