RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Bela

Largest measured european eel: 65 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Bela was 65 cm, recorded at 203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir on 6 July 2016.

Across 734 measured european eel, the median measured length was 14 cm.

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

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation1 July 2024200.00 Gas Works · 49 fish
Largest measured european eel
65 cm
Median length
14 cm
Fish measured
734
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
65 cm6 Jul 2016203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir148512
55 cm6 Aug 2018203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir153102
52 cm25 Jul 2014203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir142048
52 cm8 Aug 2012204.00 Downstream Hang Bridge133031
51 cm8 Aug 2012204.00 Downstream Hang Bridge133031
51 cm5 Aug 2010204.00 Downstream Hang Bridge124656
46 cm4 Jul 2022203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir161109
45 cm25 Jul 2014203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir142048
44.5 cm8 Aug 2012204.00 Downstream Hang Bridge133031
44 cm4 Jul 2022203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir161109

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
203.00 Downstream Beetham Weir21 Sept 19951 Jul 20246
200.00 Gas Works21 Sept 19951 Jul 20246
204.00 Downstream Hang Bridge21 Sept 199517 Jun 20226
205.00 Overthwaite19 Oct 199519 Oct 19951
202.00 A6 Layby, River Bela21 Sept 199521 Sept 19951

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

1995–2024

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 734 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
5 cm
Lower quarter
10.5 cm
Median
14 cm
Upper quarter
23 cm
Largest
65 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Bela

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

Brown / sea trout Atlantic salmon

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 →