Dace tend to like to dart through the fast flowing upper layers of water, but some of the biggest specimens caught have been in stillwaters, proving that they are a very adaptable coarse fish. Dace prefer clean, oxygenated water, and can be found in all river systems. Often mistaken for roach, you can distinguish them by their yellow eyes, rather than the red eyes of the roach. Other noteable differences are their slimmer and narrower heads, making them more streamlined for the fast flowing rivers.

It is eay to select a swim in the summer owing to the fact that you can normally see them in shoals. In these conditions it is important to move away from them as if you can see them, thy can also see you. On days when you cannot see any fish, choose swims such as weirpools or river confluences.

Dace have small mouths so maggots or casters is a better bet, loosefeed little and often to keep the fish interested. Dace are quick to feel resistance on the line and tend to drop bait easily, making them a worthy adversary despite their lack of size.