RiverFish

Bitterling · Rhodeus sericeus

Bitterling in the Old West River

Largest measured bitterling: 9.9 cm

The largest bitterling measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Old West River was 9.9 cm, recorded at Stretham Old Engine on 14 September 2017.

Across 925 measured bitterling, the median measured length was 6.3 cm.

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

See bitterling records across England →

Most recent observation15 September 2023Willow Grange Farm · 6 fish
Largest measured bitterling
9.9 cm
Median length
6.3 cm
Fish measured
925
Survey locations
10

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured bitterling

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
9.9 cm14 Sept 2017Stretham Old Engine151647
9.9 cm14 Sept 2017Stretham Old Engine151647
8.8 cm30 Oct 1991Ewell Fen29977
8.3 cm30 Sept 1997Willow Grange Farm30004
7.8 cm1 Oct 1997Stretham Old Engine30005
7.8 cm1 Oct 1997Stretham Old Engine30005
7.8 cm25 Nov 1996Stretham Old Engine29997
7.6 cm16 Sept 2009Hermitage Marina118927
7.4 cm6 Sept 2023Flat Bridge Farm163295
7.3 cm1 Oct 1997Stretham Old Engine30005

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

Explore the river

Where bitterling were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one bitterling 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 bitterling
Willow Grange Farm31 Oct 199115 Sept 202311
Stretham Old Engine17 Aug 199313 Sept 202311
Flat Bridge Farm28 Oct 19916 Sept 202310
Hermitage Marina30 Sept 20035 Sept 20236
Smithy Fen Farm29 Oct 199127 Jun 20149
Australia Farm18 Oct 200618 Oct 20061
Ewell Fen30 Oct 199112 Oct 20065
Stretham Ferry Lagoon (No 2)3 Nov 20053 Nov 20051
Stretham Ferry Lagoon (No 1)3 Nov 20053 Nov 20051
Weathersome Common28 Jul 199314 Nov 19962

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

1991–2023

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded bitterling that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 925 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
3.3 cm
Lower quarter
5.9 cm
Median
6.3 cm
Upper quarter
6.4 cm
Largest
9.9 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Old West River

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

Perch Roach Pike Tench Bleak Common bream

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 →