Fishing Snail Patterns Effectively

[Paul Bourcq]

I was on a local tailwater earlier in the season with some buddies.  I noticed an abundance of snails on the rocks on the bottom of the river.  I tried to pump some fish but I couldnt get anything up.  Then I noticed there asses were red and swollen where they had apparantly been passing snail shells.  One of the fish I caught puked a snail up on me.

Since that day Ive been on the hunt for when and where to fish snails if at all.  Im sure the stillwater boys have some experience.  So have any of you keyed in on snails in the river?  If you have lets hear it. I know I have seen snails crawling under water in the meniscus in my wifes grandmothers pond. 

Furthur they have a translucent color when the sun hits them.  I called my buddy and he said aquatic snails can fill there shell with water to make themselves float. I suspect the approach to fish snails would be different from the bottom to the top but havent got anything nailed down.  I caught some bass on an estaz snail i tied and a gorilla glue and peacock herl snai in the same pond.  But for all i know they thought it was something else.


THe amount of snails in the river was crazy, and they were eating them.  Not sure if it was out of choice or starvation.

Thanks guys

[Loren Williams]

Snails , as you mentioned, will float themselves for locomotion.  I do know that on still water venues this can be important so I always have a few small brown parachute glow bugs tied in preparation.

[Paul Bourcq]

Loren, and everyone else, have you ever successfully targeted fish in a river with a snail pattern?  Thanks!

[Loren Williams]

Paul,

Never had to.  Sorry.

[Todd Oishi]

Loren, and everyone else, have you ever successfully targeted fish in a river with a snail pattern?  Thanks!

Yes! In fact it helped to win a session in one championship...

[Paul Bourcq]

Good stuff Todd, any more details on patterns or techniques or is it one of those things?  I understand if you cant divulge.   

I have thought a heavy snail pattern on the bottom might produce as long as it was stationary or swung slowly.  Ive played with an estaz snail with a foam top to suspend it in the film but havent had the weather to fish it properly as of yet.  More on that later this spring.

Thanks guys.

[Jay Lajoie]

Rainey's snail pattern looks to be a winner also.  Personally, haven't had a chance to fish it, but it looks good!
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/fotw/92198fotw.php

[Mark Hanes]

that is a neat looking pattern! thanks for sharing Jay.