RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Taw sites

Largest measured european eel: 56.5 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Taw sites was 56.5 cm, recorded at Upstream Sticklepath (Sp) on 11 July 2018.

Across 93 measured european eel, the median measured length was 13.4 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 european eel records across England →

Most recent observation9 September 2025Chapelton (Dip/WFD) · 16 fish
Largest measured european eel
56.5 cm
Median length
13.4 cm
Fish measured
93
Survey locations
18

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
56.5 cm11 Jul 2018Upstream Sticklepath (Sp)153463
54.5 cm25 Jul 2025Upstream Sticklepath (Sp)177703
48 cm30 Jul 2008Irishmans Wall (Te)112194
47 cm11 Jul 2018Upstream Sticklepath (Sp)153463
35.5 cm19 Aug 2010Chapelton (Dip/WFD)123478
35 cm10 Sept 2007Chapelton (Dip/WFD)108504
34 cm2 Sept 2025Braggamarsh (Dip)178296
34 cm12 Sept 2012Chapelton (Dip/WFD)133485
32 cm12 Sept 2012Chapelton (Dip/WFD)133485
32 cm14 Aug 2012Bondleigh (Dip)132816

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
Chapelton (Dip/WFD)4 Sept 19969 Sept 20258
Braggamarsh (Dip)4 Sept 19962 Sept 20254
Bondleigh (Dip)8 Aug 19962 Sept 20255
Coldridge Bridge (Dip)16 Aug 199615 Aug 20254
Upstream Sticklepath (Sp)9 Aug 199625 Jul 20254
Colleton Mills (Dip)*4 Sept 199621 Sept 20123
Chenson (Dip)24 Sept 200121 Sept 20122
Newbridge (Dip)*4 Sept 199612 Sept 20123
Little Silver (Dip)*4 Sept 199612 Sept 20123
Taw Green (Sp)9 Aug 199621 Aug 20123
Park Mill Bridge (Dip)*16 Aug 199621 Aug 20123
East Rowden (Te)6 Aug 199623 Jul 20095
Downstream Weir Sheepfold*26 Sept 200826 Sept 20081
Irishmans Wall (Te)22 Aug 199630 Jul 20085
Umberleigh (Dip)*4 Sept 199625 Sept 20012
Chawleigh Week (Dip)*16 Aug 199625 Sept 20012
North Tawton (Dip)*16 Aug 199624 Sept 20013
Hawkridge Bridge (Dip)*16 Aug 199616 Aug 19961

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 european eel that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 93 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
5 cm
Lower quarter
10 cm
Median
13.4 cm
Upper quarter
23 cm
Largest
56.5 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 Bullhead 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 →