RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Gade

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 6.6 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Gade was 6.6 cm, recorded at Gadebridge Park on 12 February 2002.

Across 260 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.2 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 Gade.

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation29 September 2025Gadebridge Park post-enhancement
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
6.6 cm
Median length
3.2 cm
Fish measured
260
Survey locations
9

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
6.6 cm12 Feb 2002Gadebridge Park79485
6.5 cm12 Feb 2002Gadebridge Park79485
6.4 cm28 May 2021Gadebridge park pre-ehancement159867
6 cm28 Feb 2002Piccotts End79486
6 cm12 Feb 2002Gadebridge Park79485
5.9 cm28 Feb 2002Piccotts End79486
5.8 cm28 May 2021Gadebridge park pre-ehancement159867
5.8 cm12 Feb 2002Gadebridge Park79485
5.6 cm28 Feb 2002Piccotts End79486
5.6 cm28 Feb 2002Piccotts End79486

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
Gadebridge Park post-enhancement29 Sept 202529 Sept 20251
Cura Fisheries23 Jul 200425 Apr 20245
Gadebridge Park12 Feb 20026 Jun 20225
Gadebridge park pre-ehancement28 May 202128 May 20211
Kings Langley11 Jun 201311 Jun 20131
Cassiobury Park15 Jul 200323 Apr 20134
Great Gaddesden21 May 200421 May 20041
Piccotts End28 Feb 200228 Feb 20021
Dacorum College21 Feb 200221 Feb 20021

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

2002–2025

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 260 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1 cm
Lower quarter
2.7 cm
Median
3.2 cm
Upper quarter
4 cm
Largest
6.6 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Gade

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

Bullhead Minnow Stone loach Brown / sea trout Roach 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 →