This is a simple streamer to simulate a male northern redbelly dace during breading season. For the remainder of the year the red throat can be changed to yellow or white for both males and females. It should be fished in quiet stretches of rivers, creeks, bogs or lakes.

The northern redbelly dace (Phoxinus eos) is one of the most attractive minnows found in New England. It is brownish-olive in color on the back and upper sides. There are two lateral black stripes; the upper line is fainter or broken into spots towards the tail. The space between the lines is silvery. The lower sides and belly are white or silvery. During breading season, late spring and early summer, the male has a brilliant red belly. Thus the name and pattern for this streamer.

This species is distributed from Nova Scotia to eastern British Columbia, southward to the Adirondacks, southern Ontario, southern Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Montana. (1) The northern red belly dace is found in bogy, acidic lakes, ponds, and streams. It tends to avoid running streams, frequenting quiet backwaters. Few adults grow larger than 2 to 2½ inches long. They feed on algae from mud and rocks. Because it is mainly a vegetarian and grows to a small size this minnow provides excellent forage for trout without competing with them for food. (2)

References

(1) Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire, John F. Scarols, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, division of Inland and Marine Fisheries, 1973.

(2) Bulletin 184; Freshwater Fishes of Canada, W.B. Scott, Crossman E.J., Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Ottawa 1973.

Yellow Butcher Streamer

This is a general baitfish pattern that could simulate any of the lined minnows or shiners. The marabou, when wet, simulates the undulating action of the natural fish.

I found this fly to be a little more difficult to tie than I expected. Ron McKusick, a professional tier told me, that the peacock fibers I used were not playable enough. He suggested using the eye fibers from a peacock tail rather than the packaged fibers I had.