Roger's Angling Pages
The Dace Leuciscus leuciscus		Carp family Cyprinidae

This fish can be readily distinguished from Chub by its curved anal fin, that of the Chub being rounded. The body is more elongated and covered with larger scales, which have not the dark lining of those of the Chub. Black-blue with a metallic sheen is the basic colour shade of its back. All the fins, except the dorsal which is usually darker, are yellow or orange.

In Europe, except for Ireland, Scotland and southern countries, it can often be found in the vicinity of Trout, but more commonly in the vicinity of Grayling. It can even be numerous in Barbel waters. In lakes, with adjacent streams, its body has a deeper form. It does not normally assume large proportions, the largest specimens being 30 cm long and weighing about II to 14 oz, and rarely more than this. Small Dace search for food in shoals whereas large Dace swim about briskly by themselves just under the surface and collect the insects which have fallen from the banks and trees into the water. In Trout and Grayling waters Dace are not welcome in large numbers, as they compete with those fishes for food.

It is possible to catch Dace using natural insects and using the. same vibration technique as employed for Chub. In densely populated waters it can be caught by surface fishing with artificial flies. The flesh is not highly prized as it is too dry and contains a number of intermuscular bones. Dace therefore does not have any economic significance, but is appreciated by skilled anglers.