The spatial distribution of yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla) smaller than 300 mm was analysed during the upstream colonisation process. A 9-year electric-fishing programme in the Gironde catchment (France) provided eel occurrence data in 256 sites and eel abundance data in 23 sites. Generalized linear models showed that small eel spatial distribution decreased with river slope, dam number and with downstream-upstream distance, estimated using either the distance from the tidal limit, called tidal distance', or the relative distance', calculated as the fish's position relative to the total distance between tidal limit and river source. This new descriptor should be considered in future eel distribution studies as it reveals fractal dimension in eel spatial distribution and may provide a standardised method to compare directly freshwater eel assessment between streams and catchments of different lengths. If the relevancy of this descriptor is subsequently confirmed, it may have important implications for the management of eel population conservation.