European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Hickling Broad

Largest measured european eel: 50 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Hickling Broad was 50 cm, recorded at Catfield Dyke on 21 January 2004.

Across 5 measured european eel, the median measured length was 45 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 3 european eel. The median was 3.2 oz (0.092 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 7.3 oz (0.206 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 Hickling Broad.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation30 January 2023Catfield Dyke · 1 fish

Largest measured european eel: 50 cm
Median length: 45 cm
Fish measured: 5
Survey locations: 6

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
50 cm	21 Jan 2004	Catfield Dyke	79233
48.4 cm	30 Jan 2023	Catfield Dyke	162273
45 cm	21 Jan 2004	Catfield Dyke	79233
32 cm	21 Jan 2004	Catfield Dyke	79233
27.8 cm	15 Feb 2011	Catfield Dyke	125933

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
Catfield Dyke	21 Jan 2004	30 Jan 2023	3
68	30 Aug 1989	30 Aug 1989	1
66	25 Aug 1989	25 Aug 1989	1
65	24 Aug 1989	24 Aug 1989	1
70	9 Oct 1986	9 Oct 1986	1
69	9 Oct 1986	9 Oct 1986	1

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

1986–2023

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded european eel that year.

286

087

088

389

090

091

092

093

094

095

096

097

098

099

000

001

002

003

104

005

006

007

008

009

010

111

012

013

014

015

016

017

018

019

020

021

022

123

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 5 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest: 27.8 cm
Lower quarter: 32 cm
Median: 45 cm
Upper quarter: 48.4 cm
Largest: 50 cm

200–299 mm

300–399 mm

400–499 mm

500–599 mm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 3 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest: 1.6 oz (0.044 kg)
Lower quarter: 2.4 oz (0.068 kg)
Median: 3.2 oz (0.092 kg)
Upper quarter: 5.3 oz (0.149 kg)
Heaviest: 7.3 oz (0.206 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 Hickling Broad

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

Roach Common bream Perch 3-spined stickleback Flounder 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 →