Barbel · Barbus barbus

Barbel in the River Ouse

Largest measured barbel: 80 cm

The largest barbel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Ouse was 80 cm, recorded at Sheffield Bridge on 12 September 2017.

Across 48 measured barbel, the median measured length was 46.5 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 21 barbel. The median was 3 lb 7.9 oz (1.59 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 5 lb 15.9 oz (2.72 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 Ouse.

See barbel records across England →

Most recent observation25 July 2024Sheffield Bridge · 1 fish

Largest measured barbel: 80 cm
Median length: 46.5 cm
Fish measured: 48
Survey locations: 4

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured barbel

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
80 cm	12 Sept 2017	Sheffield Bridge	151628
75 cm	12 Sept 2017	Sheffield Bridge	151628
66 cm	12 Sept 2017	Sheffield Bridge	151628
65 cm	25 Jun 2013	East Mascalls Bridge	136644
60 cm	6 Sept 2007	Sheffield Bridge	107381
59.7 cm	30 Jul 2003	East Mascalls Bridge	76615
58.2 cm	1 Aug 2003	Sloop	76612
57.9 cm	1 Aug 2003	Sloop	76612
57 cm	25 Oct 2011	Sloop Weir Downstream	128763
54.7 cm	25 Jun 2013	East Mascalls Bridge	136644

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

Explore the river

Where barbel were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one barbel 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 barbel
Sheffield Bridge	20 Aug 2002	25 Jul 2024	5
East Mascalls Bridge	9 Aug 2002	24 Jul 2024	9
Sloop	1 Aug 2003	27 Jun 2013	9
Sloop Weir Downstream	25 Oct 2011	25 Oct 2011	1

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

2002–2024

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded barbel that year.

202

203

204

105

206

307

108

109

210

211

012

213

014

015

016

117

018

019

020

021

022

123

224

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 48 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest: 6.5 cm
Lower quarter: 26.8 cm
Median: 46.5 cm
Upper quarter: 52.8 cm
Largest: 80 cm

0–99 mm

100–199 mm

200–299 mm

300–399 mm

400–499 mm

500–599 mm

600–699 mm

700–799 mm

800–899 mm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 21 barbel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest: 0.1 oz (0.003 kg)
Lower quarter: 8.3 oz (0.234 kg)
Median: 3 lb 7.9 oz (1.59 kg)
Upper quarter: 4 lb 2.2 oz (1.88 kg)
Heaviest: 5 lb 15.9 oz (2.72 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 Ouse

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

European eel Perch Roach Dace Gudgeon Stone loach

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 →