European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Ems

Largest measured european eel: 65.5 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Ems was 65.5 cm, recorded at Westbourne sq on 10 June 2025.

Across 350 measured european eel, the median measured length was 38.2 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 225 european eel. The median was 3.4 oz (0.097 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 1 lb 3.4 oz (0.551 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 Ems.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation10 June 2025Brook Meadow Footbridge · 15 fish

Largest measured european eel: 65.5 cm
Median length: 38.2 cm
Fish measured: 350
Survey locations: 7

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.

Length	Survey date	Survey location	Survey ID
65.5 cm	10 Jun 2025	Westbourne sq	176891
64 cm	12 Aug 2021	Deep Springs	160092
64 cm	29 Oct 2001	Lumley Mill sq	22683
62.8 cm	20 May 2015	Brook Meadow Footbridge	144794
62 cm	8 May 2013	Brook Meadow	136008
62 cm	29 Oct 2001	Lumley Mill sq	22683
62 cm	29 Oct 2001	Lumley Mill sq	22683
61.5 cm	10 Jun 2025	Westbourne sq	176891
61 cm	29 Oct 2001	Lumley Mill sq	22683
60.5 cm	12 Aug 2021	Deep Springs	160092

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 surveyed	First recorded	Last recorded	Visits finding european eel
Westbourne sq	25 Oct 2001	10 Jun 2025	5
Brook Meadow Footbridge	20 May 2015	10 Jun 2025	2
Mill Meadows Farm	12 Aug 2021	12 Aug 2021	1
Deep Springs	12 Aug 2021	12 Aug 2021	1
Brook Meadow	8 May 2013	8 May 2013	1
Downstream Hampshire Bridge	19 Oct 2010	19 Oct 2010	1
Lumley Mill sq	29 Oct 2001	7 Jun 2007	2

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.

201

002

003

004

005

006

207

008

009

110

011

012

213

014

215

016

017

018

019

020

221

022

023

024

225

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 350 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest: 8.7 cm
Lower quarter: 30.5 cm
Median: 38.2 cm
Upper quarter: 46 cm
Largest: 65.5 cm

0–99 mm

100–199 mm

200–299 mm

300–399 mm

111

400–499 mm

104

500–599 mm

600–699 mm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 225 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest: 0 oz (0.001 kg)
Lower quarter: 1.8 oz (0.051 kg)
Median: 3.4 oz (0.097 kg)
Upper quarter: 5.9 oz (0.167 kg)
Heaviest: 1 lb 3.4 oz (0.551 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 Ems

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

Brown / sea trout Bullhead Pike

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 →