RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the South Holland Main Drain

Largest measured european eel: 71.1 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the South Holland Main Drain was 71.1 cm, recorded at Foremans Bridge on 14 April 2008.

Across 32 measured european eel, the median measured length was 47.5 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 5 european eel. The median was 12.3 oz (0.35 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 1 lb 8.7 oz (0.7 kg).

RiverFish uses Environment Agency survey measurements rather than rod-and-line angling records. These figures show fish measured during EA surveys of the South Holland Main Drain.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation1 April 2025Coy Sluice · 1 fish
Largest measured european eel
71.1 cm
Median length
47.5 cm
Fish measured
32
Survey locations
14

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
71.1 cm14 Apr 2008Foremans Bridge110697
70 cm17 Apr 2009Coy Sluice117184
70 cm16 Apr 2009Cliftons Bridge117199
70 cm24 Apr 2007Cliftons Bridge105464
65 cm20 Apr 2009Foremans Bridge117172
61 cm16 Apr 2009Cliftons Bridge117199
59 cm8 Jun 2012Cliftons Bridge134632
57 cm16 May 2007Coy Sluice105580
52 cm14 Apr 2010Cliftons Bridge123186
51.5 cm6 Jun 2012Coy Sluice134640

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
Coy Sluice13 Jun 20011 Apr 20255
Shell Bridge15 Apr 198616 Apr 20193
Foremans Bridge19 Jun 199128 Apr 20167
Cliftons Bridge7 May 19868 Jun 20127
Sharps Bridge (South Holland Drain)7 Oct 199720 Jun 20012
Downstream Coy Sluice20 Jun 199113 Jun 20012
Leedsgate Bridge25 Jun 199111 Jun 19972
Upstream Coy Sluice8 Jul 19944 Jun 19972
Peak Hill22 Feb 19886 Oct 19943
Holland Lodge Farm2 Jul 19912 Jul 19911
Holland House1 Jul 19911 Jul 19911
Upstream Wisemans Pumping Station5 Jan 198828 Jun 19912
Red House Bridge19 Jun 199119 Jun 19911
A1101 Bridge17 Jun 199117 Jun 19911

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

1986–2025

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 32 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
18 cm
Lower quarter
34.6 cm
Median
47.5 cm
Upper quarter
53.3 cm
Largest
71.1 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 5 european eel. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
3.5 oz (0.1 kg)
Lower quarter
7.8 oz (0.22 kg)
Median
12.3 oz (0.35 kg)
Upper quarter
1 lb 6.9 oz (0.65 kg)
Heaviest
1 lb 8.7 oz (0.7 kg)

These are direct individual weights recorded by Environment Agency surveyors. Combined bulk weights are not included.

More fish in this river

Explore the South Holland Main Drain

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

Roach Pike Gudgeon Common bream Perch Rudd

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 →