Barbel · Barbus barbus

Barbel in the River Blackwater

Largest measured barbel: 60.8 cm

The largest barbel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Blackwater was 60.8 cm, recorded at Riseley on 18 May 2016.

Across 18 measured barbel, the median measured length was 43.5 cm.

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

See barbel records across England →

Most recent observation8 April 2025Riseley · 4 fish

Largest measured barbel: 60.8 cm
Median length: 43.5 cm
Fish measured: 18
Survey locations: 7

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured barbel

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

Length	Survey date	Survey location	Survey ID
60.8 cm	18 May 2016	Riseley	148038
60.3 cm	18 May 2016	Riseley	148038
60.1 cm	20 Apr 2010	Riseley	121416
56.7 cm	14 May 2004	Riseley	79846
54.2 cm	14 May 2004	Riseley	79846
52.8 cm	14 May 2004	Riseley	79846
52.6 cm	14 May 2004	Riseley	79846
50.4 cm	14 May 2004	Riseley	79846
45.5 cm	14 May 2004	Riseley	79846
41.5 cm	26 Apr 2022	Riseley	160914

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

Explore the river

Where barbel were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one barbel 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 surveyed	First recorded	Last recorded	Visits finding barbel
Riseley	4 Apr 2002	8 Apr 2025	7
Downstream Riseley	23 Sept 1985	5 Feb 1991	2
RAE Riseley	24 Sept 1985	23 Jan 1991	2
Upstream Loddon	2 Oct 1985	2 Oct 1985	1
Greenacres	27 Sept 1985	27 Sept 1985	1
Downstream Whitewater confluence	24 Sept 1985	24 Sept 1985	1
300m Upstream Swallowfield G/S	23 Sept 1985	23 Sept 1985	1

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

1985–2025

Survey records by year

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

685

086

087

088

089

090

291

092

093

094

095

096

097

098

099

000

001

102

003

104

105

006

007

008

009

110

011

012

013

014

015

116

017

018

019

020

021

122

023

024

125

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 18 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest: 11.9 cm
Lower quarter: 17.7 cm
Median: 43.5 cm
Upper quarter: 53.9 cm
Largest: 60.8 cm

100–199 mm

200–299 mm

400–499 mm

500–599 mm

600–699 mm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Blackwater

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

Roach Chub Gudgeon Pike Dace Perch

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 →