RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Bell - Penton Hook

Largest measured european eel: 84 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Bell - Penton Hook was 84 cm, recorded at Bell Upper Main on 21 July 2024.

Across 423 measured european eel, the median measured length was 61 cm.

Surveyors recorded one individual weight: 12 oz (0.34 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 Bell - Penton Hook.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation30 July 2025Bell Upper Main · 4 fish
Largest measured european eel
84 cm
Median length
61 cm
Fish measured
423
Survey locations
4

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
84 cm21 Jul 2024Bell Upper Main165931
84 cm30 Jul 2023Bell Upper Main164074
81.5 cm1 Sept 2000Bell Weir121588
81 cm5 Sept 2013Bell Upper Main138741
80.1 cm8 Sept 2005Bell Weir86180
78.6 cm8 Oct 2005Bell Main Channel86734
78 cm8 Oct 2005Bell Main Channel86734
77 cm10 Sept 2010Bell Upper Main123974
77 cm11 Sept 2009Bell Lower Main119019
76.5 cm5 Sept 2013Bell Upper Main138741

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
Bell Upper Main10 Sept 200730 Jul 202516
Bell Lower Main10 Sept 20075 Sept 20137
Bell Weir1 Sept 200010 Sept 20076
Bell Main Channel1 Sept 199511 Sept 20066

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

1995–2025

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 423 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
18.5 cm
Lower quarter
54.5 cm
Median
61 cm
Upper quarter
66.2 cm
Largest
84 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

One individual weight was recorded for this fish and river. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Recorded weight
12 oz (0.34 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 Bell - Penton Hook

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

Bleak Dace Pike Perch Roach Chub

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 →