RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the Mainstem surveys

Largest measured european eel: 32.5 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Mainstem surveys was 32.5 cm, recorded at 2025.50 Langholm, 100m US STW, River Esk on 1 September 2004.

Across 13 measured european eel, the median measured length was 12.5 cm.

RiverFish uses Environment Agency survey measurements rather than rod-and-line angling records. These figures show fish measured during EA surveys of the Mainstem surveys.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation10 September 20042026.22 DS Tarras confluence, Border Esk · 3 fish
Largest measured european eel
32.5 cm
Median length
12.5 cm
Fish measured
13
Survey locations
5

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
32.5 cm1 Sept 20042025.50 Langholm, 100m US STW, River Esk83272
27.5 cm1 Sept 20042025.50 Langholm, 100m US STW, River Esk83272
22.5 cm10 Sept 20042026.00 Langholm, Skippers Bridge, River Esk83274
17.5 cm10 Sept 20042026.22 DS Tarras confluence, Border Esk83623
17.5 cm10 Sept 20042027.00 Tinnings, Longtown, River Esk83289
12.5 cm10 Sept 20042026.22 DS Tarras confluence, Border Esk83623
12.5 cm10 Sept 20042027.00 Tinnings, Longtown, River Esk83289
12.5 cm10 Sept 20042026.80 Netherby Bank83288
7.5 cm10 Sept 20042027.00 Tinnings, Longtown, River Esk83289
7.5 cm10 Sept 20042027.00 Tinnings, Longtown, River Esk83289

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
2027.00 Tinnings, Longtown, River Esk10 Sept 200410 Sept 20041
2026.80 Netherby Bank10 Sept 200410 Sept 20041
2026.22 DS Tarras confluence, Border Esk10 Sept 200410 Sept 20041
2026.00 Langholm, Skippers Bridge, River Esk10 Sept 200410 Sept 20041
2025.50 Langholm, 100m US STW, River Esk1 Sept 20041 Sept 20041

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

2004–2004

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 13 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
7.5 cm
Lower quarter
7.5 cm
Median
12.5 cm
Upper quarter
17.5 cm
Largest
32.5 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

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 →