RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Ouse Tributaries

Largest measured european eel: 61 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Ouse Tributaries was 61 cm, recorded at Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir on 24 August 2021.

Across 70 measured european eel, the median measured length was 30 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 14 european eel. The median was 1.3 oz (0.037 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 12.1 oz (0.343 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 Tributaries.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation20 September 2023Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir · 14 fish
Largest measured european eel
61 cm
Median length
30 cm
Fish measured
70
Survey locations
4

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.

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
61 cm24 Aug 2021Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir160161
57.5 cm26 Aug 2003Pellingford Brook77001
55 cm24 Aug 2021Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir160161
54 cm26 Aug 2003Pellingford Brook77001
52.5 cm20 Sept 2023Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir163802
49 cm24 Aug 2021Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir160161
48 cm24 Aug 2021Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir160161
48 cm29 Sept 2009Andrew's Stream119183
48 cm29 Sept 2009Andrew's Stream119183
46 cm29 Sept 2009Andrew's Stream119183

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 surveyedFirst recordedLast recordedVisits finding european eel
Shell Brook d/s Ardingly Reservoir24 Aug 202120 Sept 20232
Pellingford Brook26 Aug 200315 Aug 20132
North End22 Aug 20036 Aug 20132
Andrew's Stream29 Sept 200929 Sept 20091

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

2003–2023

Survey records by year

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

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 70 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
14 cm
Lower quarter
26 cm
Median
30 cm
Upper quarter
36.8 cm
Largest
61 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 14 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
0.2 oz (0.006 kg)
Lower quarter
1.1 oz (0.0308 kg)
Median
1.3 oz (0.037 kg)
Upper quarter
1.8 oz (0.0508 kg)
Heaviest
12.1 oz (0.343 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 Tributaries

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

Brown / sea trout Dace Bullhead Roach Gudgeon Chub

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 →