RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Western Rother

Largest measured european eel: 69 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Western Rother was 69 cm, recorded at Coultershaw on 16 July 2015.

Across 672 measured european eel, the median measured length was 39.1 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 412 european eel. The median was 4.4 oz (0.125 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 2 lb 3.1 oz (0.996 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 Western Rother.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation18 June 2026Fittleworth Bridge · 7 fish
Largest measured european eel
69 cm
Median length
39.1 cm
Fish measured
672
Survey locations
15

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
69 cm16 Jul 2015Coultershaw145454
68 cm10 Jul 2007Durford Bridge106562
67 cm14 Jul 2004Terwick Mill80589
65 cm20 Sept 2006Hardham101890
64.5 cm15 Jul 2003Terwick Mill76746
63.2 cm29 Jul 2004Fittleworth Bridge80801
63 cm20 Sept 2006Hardham101890
62.5 cm27 Jul 2022Fittleworth Bridge161209
61.8 cm14 Jul 2015Terwick Mill145438
61.8 cm28 Jun 2005Durford Bridge86719

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
Fittleworth Bridge24 Jul 200218 Jun 202623
Coultershaw24 Jul 200218 Jun 202620
Terwick Mill18 Jul 200216 Jun 202622
Woolbeding18 Jul 200219 Jun 202517
Stanbridge16 Jul 200218 Jul 201612
Stedham Mill Downstream15 Jul 201615 Jul 20161
Upstream Mizzards2 Sept 20142 Sept 20141
North Mill Bypass pool22 Jul 200922 Jul 20091
Hardham24 Sept 200319 Jul 20075
Cowdray Estate22 Jul 200217 Jul 20075
Habin Bridge17 Jul 200211 Jul 20076
Durford Bridge17 Jul 200210 Jul 20074
Adhurst10 Jul 20032 Jul 20075
Liss16 Jul 200222 Jun 20054
Empshott Mill5 Jul 20022 Jul 20043

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

2002–2026

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 672 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
8 cm
Lower quarter
31 cm
Median
39.2 cm
Upper quarter
48.5 cm
Largest
69 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 412 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
0.2 oz (0.005 kg)
Lower quarter
2.3 oz (0.066 kg)
Median
4.4 oz (0.125 kg)
Upper quarter
8.3 oz (0.2362 kg)
Heaviest
2 lb 3.1 oz (0.996 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 Western Rother

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

Brown / sea trout Bullhead Stone loach Minnow Chub Dace

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 →