RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Esk

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 4.3 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Esk was 4.3 cm, recorded at 2.1 Upper 5b site on 23 August 2011.

Across 53 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 2.7 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 Esk.

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation2 October 20256.0 Toll Road, Grosmont ESK/SA/Q/003
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
4.3 cm
Median length
2.7 cm
Fish measured
53
Survey locations
5

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
4.3 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560
4.1 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560
4 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560
4 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560
3.7 cm24 Aug 20112.4 Lower 5b site128548
3.7 cm24 Aug 20112.4 Lower 5b site128548
3.6 cm24 Aug 20112.4 Lower 5b site128548
3.3 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560
3.2 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560
3.2 cm23 Aug 20112.1 Upper 5b site128560

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

Explore the river

Where 3-spined stickleback were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one 3-spined stickleback 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 3-spined stickleback
6.0 Toll Road, Grosmont ESK/SA/Q/0032 Oct 20252 Oct 20251
d/s Castleton17 Oct 201817 Oct 20181
2.4 Lower 5b site24 Aug 201124 Aug 20111
2.1 Upper 5b site23 Aug 201123 Aug 20111
2.2 Middle 5b site14 Jun 200514 Jun 20051

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

2005–2025

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded 3-spined stickleback that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 53 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.7 cm
Lower quarter
2.1 cm
Median
2.7 cm
Upper quarter
3.1 cm
Largest
4.3 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Esk

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

Brown / sea trout Atlantic salmon Stone loach European eel Minnow Brook lamprey

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 →