Longnose Dace

Rhinichthys cataractae

Longnose Dace is a small, streamlined cyprinid native to cool, clear streams and rivers across much of North America. It often holds in current seams and riffles, feeding on aquatic insects, algae, and tiny drift items from the bottom and midwater.

Freshwater

Longnose Dace reference image — Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Long, narrow snout that overhangs a small downturned mouth
Dark lateral stripe with a pale stripe just above it along the side
Slender minnow body with a small, slightly forked tail and mottled back

Habitat

Gravelly riffles, runs, and stream margins of clear, cool to cold freshwater; commonly near cobble, boulders, and undercut banks in moderate current.

Bait notes

Tiny hooks with worm bits, insect larvae, small caddis/midge imitations, and bread or dough if bait fishing; very small spinners or flies can also take them when targeted.

Behavior

An active benthic forager that faces into current and picks at drifting insects, algae, and benthic invertebrates; often in small schools and quick to dart into cover when disturbed.

Caution

none notable

Fishing notes

Best targeted with ultralight tackle, small offerings, and a dead-drift through riffles or along seams; they bite readily but are seldom a primary game fish, so handle lightly and release if incidental.