RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Wensum (Restoration strategy)

Largest measured european eel: 82 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Wensum (Restoration strategy) was 82 cm, recorded at Swanton Morley (Restoration Reach 14) on 23 July 2019.

Across 36 measured european eel, the median measured length was 55.6 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 12 european eel. The median was 12.2 oz (0.345 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 1 lb 14 oz (0.85 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 Wensum (Restoration strategy).

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation30 August 2024Upstream Attlebridge · 6 fish
Largest measured european eel
82 cm
Median length
55.6 cm
Fish measured
36
Survey locations
10

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
82 cm23 Jul 2019Swanton Morley (Restoration Reach 14)156037
75 cm18 Aug 2010Gt Ryburgh Common upstream123701
73.8 cm14 Aug 2024Downstream Porters Lane, Lenwade167127
72 cm4 Sept 2012Upstream County School (reach 19)133298
71 cm30 Aug 2024Upstream Attlebridge167128
70.5 cm21 Sept 2009Upstream County School (reach 19)119039
70 cm21 Sept 2009Upstream County School (reach 19)119039
68.2 cm13 Jun 2012Swanton Morley (Restoration Reach 14)131535
68 cm22 Jul 2014Downstream Fakenham Common (Reach 25)142750
68 cm11 Jul 2013Swanton Morley (Restoration Reach 14)137309

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
Upstream Attlebridge30 Aug 202430 Aug 20241
Swanton Morley (Restoration Reach 14)13 Jun 201228 Aug 20244
Downstream Porters Lane, Lenwade14 Aug 202414 Aug 20241
Upstream County School (reach 19)21 Sept 20095 Jul 20193
Upstream Dunton Bridge12 Apr 201612 Apr 20161
Downstream Fakenham Common (Reach 25)26 Jul 201322 Jul 20142
Gt Ryburgh End - Downstream confluence to iron bridge21 Sept 201221 Sept 20121
Gt Ryburgh Common d/s meander5 Sept 20115 Sept 20111
Gt Ryburgh Common upstream18 Aug 201018 Aug 20101
Sayers Meadow30 Jul 199730 Jul 19971

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

1997–2024

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 36 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
26 cm
Lower quarter
44.3 cm
Median
55.7 cm
Upper quarter
68 cm
Largest
82 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 12 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
1.1 oz (0.03 kg)
Lower quarter
5.8 oz (0.165 kg)
Median
12.2 oz (0.345 kg)
Upper quarter
1 lb 5.8 oz (0.6175 kg)
Heaviest
1 lb 14 oz (0.85 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 Wensum (Restoration strategy)

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

Minnow Bullhead Dace Stone loach Gudgeon 3-spined stickleback

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 →