RiverFish

Bullhead · Cottus gobio

Bullhead in the River Taw sites

Largest measured bullhead: 8 cm

The largest bullhead measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Taw sites was 8 cm, recorded at Chapelton (Dip/WFD) on 10 September 2007.

Across 254 measured bullhead, the median measured length was 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 Taw sites.

See bullhead records across England →

Most recent observation9 September 2025Chapelton (Dip/WFD) · 191 fish
Largest measured bullhead
8 cm
Median length
5 cm
Fish measured
254
Survey locations
19

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
8 cm10 Sept 2007Chapelton (Dip/WFD)108504
7.8 cm27 Jun 2019East Rowden (Te)154662
7.6 cm5 Jul 2018Taw Green (Sp)152900
7.5 cm5 Jul 2018Taw Green (Sp)152900
7.4 cm5 Jul 2017East Rowden (Te)150820
7.4 cm5 Jul 2017East Rowden (Te)150820
7.4 cm5 Jul 2017East Rowden (Te)150820
7.4 cm10 Sept 2007Chapelton (Dip/WFD)108504
7.3 cm5 Jul 2018East Rowden (Te)152901
7.3 cm10 Sept 2007Chapelton (Dip/WFD)108504

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
Chapelton (Dip/WFD)4 Sept 19969 Sept 20258
Chenson (Dip)16 Aug 19962 Sept 20255
Braggamarsh (Dip)4 Sept 19962 Sept 20255
Bondleigh (Dip)8 Aug 19962 Sept 20257
Coldridge Bridge (Dip)16 Aug 199615 Aug 20256
Taw Green (Sp)9 Aug 199625 Jul 20256
East Rowden (Te)6 Aug 199630 Jun 202520
South Tawton STW (5 min)12 Sept 202312 Sept 20231
Halford Manor (5 min)31 Jul 202331 Jul 20231
Cann's Clapper (5 min)31 Jul 202331 Jul 20231
East Rowden (5 min)20 Jul 202320 Jul 20231
Colleton Mills (Dip)*4 Sept 199621 Sept 20123
Newbridge (Dip)*4 Sept 199612 Sept 20123
Little Silver (Dip)*4 Sept 199612 Sept 20123
Hawkridge Bridge (Dip)*16 Aug 19967 Sept 20123
Park Mill Bridge (Dip)*16 Aug 199621 Aug 20124
North Tawton (Dip)*16 Aug 199614 Aug 20124
Umberleigh (Dip)*4 Sept 199625 Sept 20012
Chawleigh Week (Dip)*16 Aug 199625 Sept 20012

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

1996–2025

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 254 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.9 cm
Lower quarter
4.1 cm
Median
5 cm
Upper quarter
6.1 cm
Largest
8 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Taw sites

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

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

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 →