RiverFish

Barbel · Barbus barbus

Barbel in the River Wharfe

Largest measured barbel: 66 cm

The largest barbel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Wharfe was 66 cm, recorded at Tadcaster pre 2006 on 26 July 2001.

Across 494 measured barbel, the median measured length was 43.4 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 56 barbel. The median was 2 lb 7.6 oz (1.12 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 6 lb 12.3 oz (3.07 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 Wharfe.

See barbel records across England →

Most recent observation20 August 2024Tadcaster post 2006 · 34 fish
Largest measured barbel
66 cm
Median length
43.4 cm
Fish measured
494
Survey locations
10

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured barbel

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

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
66 cm26 Jul 2001Tadcaster pre 200625609
64.3 cm15 Jul 2004Wetherby Grange81440
64.1 cm12 Aug 1997Wetherby Grange110046
63.3 cm13 Aug 1998Wetherby Grange110192
63.2 cm13 Aug 1998Wetherby Grange110192
62.5 cm12 Aug 1997Wetherby Grange110046
62.2 cm20 Aug 2024Tadcaster post 2006166388
62.1 cm25 Jul 2003Wetherby Grange78316
61.7 cm13 Aug 1998Wetherby Grange110192
61.7 cm23 Jul 1997Tadcaster pre 2006110123

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

Explore the river

Where barbel were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one barbel 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 barbel
Tadcaster post 20069 Aug 200620 Aug 20245
Boston Spa - Fry Survey23 Sept 198617 Aug 20166
Netherby (discretionary only)26 Jul 201626 Jul 20161
Ulleskelf19 Jul 200416 Jul 20143
Pool Mill21 Jul 200430 Jun 20082
Tadcaster pre 200624 Jul 199630 Jun 20058
Wetherby Grange12 Aug 199715 Jul 20045
Boston Spa19 Jul 199626 Jul 20037
Tadcaster - Fry Survey18 Sept 200118 Sept 20011
Collingham26 Jul 199613 Aug 19983

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

1986–2024

Survey records by year

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

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 494 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
2.2 cm
Lower quarter
35 cm
Median
43.4 cm
Upper quarter
48.6 cm
Largest
66 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 56 barbel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
12 oz (0.34 kg)
Lower quarter
1 lb 3.6 oz (0.555 kg)
Median
2 lb 7.6 oz (1.12 kg)
Upper quarter
3 lb 6.4 oz (1.54 kg)
Heaviest
6 lb 12.3 oz (3.07 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 Wharfe

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

Minnow Bullhead Stone loach Brown / sea trout European eel Chub

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 →