RiverFish

Bullhead · Cottus gobio

Bullhead in the River R. Skell

Largest measured bullhead: 9.5 cm

The largest bullhead measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River R. Skell was 9.5 cm, recorded at River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane) on 2 August 2013.

Across 260 measured bullhead, the median measured length was 5.5 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 R. Skell.

See bullhead records across England →

Most recent observation11 September 2025River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)
Largest measured bullhead
9.5 cm
Median length
5.5 cm
Fish measured
260
Survey locations
5

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured bullhead

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
9.5 cm2 Aug 2013River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)137958
9.4 cm17 Aug 2011River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)129156
8.8 cm5 Aug 2013River Skell (d/s Ripon Bypass)137924
8.7 cm29 Jul 2021River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)160022
8.7 cm5 Aug 2013River Skell (d/s Ripon Bypass)137924
8.5 cm5 Aug 2013River Skell (d/s Ripon Bypass)137924
8.5 cm17 Aug 2011River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)129156
8.4 cm2 Aug 2013River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)137958
8.3 cm3 Sept 2019River Skell (d/s Ripon Bypass)155583
8.3 cm5 Aug 2013River Skell (d/s Ripon Bypass)137924

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

Explore the river

Where bullhead were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one bullhead 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 bullhead
River Skell, Layby (Grantly)13 Jun 200711 Sept 20254
River Skell (Whitcliffe Lane)18 Oct 200111 Sept 202517
River Skell (d/s Ripon Bypass)7 Jun 20079 Sept 20257
downstream Alma Bridge7 Sept 20227 Sept 20221
Borrage Green Lane7 Sept 20227 Sept 20221

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

2001–2025

Survey records by year

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

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 260 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
2.1 cm
Lower quarter
3.6 cm
Median
5.6 cm
Upper quarter
6.8 cm
Largest
9.5 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River R. Skell

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

Brown / sea trout Grayling Stone loach Minnow European eel Atlantic salmon

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 →