RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Beaulieu

Largest measured european eel: 65 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Beaulieu was 65 cm, recorded at d/s Holmhill Passage on 15 August 2017.

Across 78 measured european eel, the median measured length was 30.8 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 7 european eel. The median was 4.2 oz (0.12 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 10.2 oz (0.29 kg).

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

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation29 July 2025Shepton Water · 2 fish
Largest measured european eel
65 cm
Median length
30.8 cm
Fish measured
78
Survey locations
14

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
65 cm15 Aug 2017d/s Holmhill Passage151603
56 cm15 Aug 2017d/s Holmhill Passage151603
53.4 cm25 Jul 2013North Lane137743
51.2 cm1 Aug 2006Ipley Bridge101676
50.5 cm1 Aug 2006Ipley Bridge101676
50.4 cm22 Aug 2011Matley Passage127510
50.4 cm22 Aug 2011Matley Passage127510
48 cm21 Jul 2025Matley Passage178993
47.3 cm8 Jul 2019Shepton Water154987
47.2 cm1 Aug 2006Ipley Bridge101676

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
Shepton Water30 Aug 200729 Jul 20255
Penerley Water - u/s Shepton confluence31 Aug 200729 Jul 20252
Withycombe Shade5 Sept 200723 Jul 20255
Holmhill Passage16 Jul 201323 Jul 20253
Matley Passage27 Aug 200921 Jul 20259
Dunce's Arch15 Jul 20131 Jul 20192
d/s Holmhill Passage15 Aug 201715 Aug 20171
Hartford Stream - d/s Boarman Pond10 Jul 201710 Jul 20171
Upper Shepton Water25 Jul 201325 Jul 20131
North Lane30 Sept 200825 Jul 20132
Buck Hill25 Sept 200925 Sept 20091
u/s Ashurst Lodge6 Sept 20076 Sept 20071
Penerley Bridge29 Aug 200729 Aug 20071
Ipley Bridge4 Sept 20011 Aug 20065

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

2001–2025

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 78 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
12 cm
Lower quarter
21.5 cm
Median
30.8 cm
Upper quarter
39.9 cm
Largest
65 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 7 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
1.5 oz (0.042 kg)
Lower quarter
3.1 oz (0.088 kg)
Median
4.2 oz (0.12 kg)
Upper quarter
8.5 oz (0.2405 kg)
Heaviest
10.2 oz (0.29 kg)

These are direct individual weights recorded by Environment Agency surveyors. Combined bulk weights are not included.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Beaulieu

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

Brown / sea trout Stone loach Minnow Bullhead Brook lamprey 3-spined stickleback

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 →