RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Don

Largest measured european eel: 67 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Don was 67 cm, recorded at Blackburn Meadows d/s weir DON/CO/TEMP/001 on 3 July 2012.

Across 27 measured european eel, the median measured length was 38 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 Don.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation31 July 2025Kilnhurst Bridge · 1 fish
Largest measured european eel
67 cm
Median length
38 cm
Fish measured
27
Survey locations
12

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
67 cm3 Jul 2012Blackburn Meadows d/s weir DON/CO/TEMP/001132267
55 cm15 Jul 2008Hexthorpe111872
51 cm27 Jun 2005Hexthorpe84899
48 cm22 Jul 2010Hexthorpe124936
46 cm25 Jul 2006Hexthorpe101684
45 cm13 Jul 2016Doncaster (crimpsal) DON/CO/TEMP/003148535
45 cm27 Jun 2005Hexthorpe84899
44 cm25 Jul 2006Hexthorpe101684
43 cm15 Jul 2008Hexthorpe111872
40.5 cm30 Jun 2011Hexthorpe128524

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
Kilnhurst Bridge31 Jul 202531 Jul 20251
Thorpe Marsh (Tidal)30 Jun 201116 Aug 20172
Doncaster (crimpsal) DON/CO/TEMP/00311 Jul 20024 Jul 20178
Blonk Street, sheffield21 Aug 201321 Aug 20131
Blackburn Meadows d/s weir DON/CO/TEMP/0013 Jul 20129 Jul 20132
Hexthorpe27 Jun 200530 Jun 20116
Below Sprotborough Weir DON/CO/TEMP/00221 May 198226 Jul 20106
Dearne Valley Leisure Centre1 Aug 200629 Jul 20082
Tesco Weir - Masbrough, Rotherham24 Jul 200624 Jul 20061
Stainforth23 Jul 198211 Nov 19974
Marsh Street P/S, Rotherham15 Nov 199015 Nov 19901
Thorpe Marsh PS2 Jun 19822 Jun 19821

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

1982–2025

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 27 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
20 cm
Lower quarter
33.5 cm
Median
38 cm
Upper quarter
44.5 cm
Largest
67 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Don

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

3-spined stickleback Brown / sea trout Gudgeon Roach Minnow 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 →